TheTramezzoin Santa Croce, Florence, Reconstructed
Marcia B. Hall
In a previous publication I tried to show that the tramezzo (rood screen) and choir were two separate structures in Florentine church of Santa Croce.1 New evidence now makes it possible reconstruct considerable detail with surprisingly high degree certainty. A trecento drawing, often published but not fully interpreted, shows design for chapel dedicated St. Martin belonging Baroncelli family (Fig. 1).2 The identification patron titular saint is made certain by presence arms on superstructure relief Dividing His Cloak Beggar. This stone survives, though somewhat cut down, will be displayed again when Museo di Croce reopens 2).3 patronized branch documented as having been Croce. Scholars have failed connect drawing this chapel, or read correctly, largely because eighteenth-century author Sepoltuario, Stefano Rosselli, upon whom Paatz others before him depended, had misinterpreted documents describing position Chapel.4 It was located wall, Rosselli said, nave outside central door rood screen. must oriented same direction altar situated right cancello.5 location riding inward toward center church, just one might expect. Having previously established cancelli divided at fifth piers, can deduced Chapel fourth bay front tramezzo.
Art Bulletin