Figure 3.56 Interactive Image Walkthrough

The Visual Elements of Art

Hover over each image in the slide to get descriptions of each section of the image. Click to open the image and zoom in.

Masaccio. The Tribute Money. From the Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence, Italy. c. 1425. Fresco, 8' 1" x 19' 7".
In scene one, a Roman tax collector, in the short tunic, asks Jesus, in the blue cloak, for a tax. Jesus directs Peter, in the orange cloak, to go to the Sea of Galilee where he will find the money in the mouth of a fish.
In scene two, Peter retrieves coins from the fish's mouth. We know it is Peter because he has left his orange garment next to him. His repetition show this moment is a different point in the story.
In scene three, Peter pays the tax collector. Both men are repeated, showing a third moment in time.
. What happens in the first scene?

. How do we know that the second scene shows a different point in the story?

. How do we know the third scene is a third moment in time?

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