Gaddi, Taddeo

(active c. 1328-1366)

   One of Giotto's pupils, principal assistant, and most faithful follower. Cennino Cennini claimed in Il libro dell'arte, written in c. 1400, that Gaddi was also Giotto's godson and that he worked for him for 24 years. Taddeo's most important commission is the Baroncelli Chapel at Santa Croce, Florence (1332-1338), one of the largest in the church. The scenes here depict the life of the Virgin, her parents Joachim and Anne, and Christ. Some have suggested that Giotto provided the designs for the frescoes since the chapel's altarpiece, the Baroncelli Polyptych, is signed by him. The stained glass window in the chapel, which shows St. Francis receiving the stigmata (the wounds of the crucified Christ), is also by Taddeo. One of Taddeo's most ambitious works is the Tree of Life of c. 1340 in the refectory of Santa Croce, one of the earliest examples of refectory decoration. It depicts a complex genealogical theme related to the Franciscan Order, meant to inspire contemplation. Taddeo also worked as architect, providing plans for the rebuilding of the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Trinità in Florence (destroyed in the 16th century) after the Arno River flooded in 1333.