 Central to an understanding of the painting , as well as the entire series , is the relationship the <unk> and the city of Florence had with the papacy in Rome . Florence was at the time at war with Milan , and needed the support of the Pope . The Brancacci frescos must therefore be seen in the context of a pro @-@ papal policy , and as an attempt to legitimise the Roman see through its association with Saint Peter – the first bishop of Rome , and first pope . 
