Bardi Chapel, Gothic chapel in Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy.
The Bardi Chapel is a Gothic space within the Basilica of Santa Croce featuring a series of seven frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis. These paintings cover the walls and entrance arch, with each scene carefully rendered to convey religious meaning.
The chapel was commissioned in 1318 by the Bardi banking family as an expression of their wealth and religious conviction. The artist who painted the frescoes worked in a style that made the religious narrative clear and accessible to viewers.
The Bardi family were prominent Florentine bankers, and this chapel displays their devotion to the Franciscan faith. The frescoes emphasize poverty and spiritual dedication as key messages for worshippers who came to this space.
The chapel is located on the right side of the choir and serves as the first chapel in the southern transept of the basilica. You can find it easily by observing the architectural layout and arrangement of this area, which helps with navigation.
In one of the scenes, the seraph appears as the crucifix itself as Saint Francis receives the stigmata. This unusual depiction merges heavenly and earthly reality in a way that catches viewers off guard.
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