Giorgio Vasari

“ In the cloister of the same convent, Taddeo also painted the Virgin, with the child in her arms—a fresco of admirable colouring [16] ; and in the midst of the church, to the left of the spectator, is the bishop St. Louis, seated, while San Gherardo da Villamagna, who had been a brother of the order of St. Francis, seems recommending a certain Fra Bartolommeo, then guardian of the convent, to his protection. The figures of this work were all drawn from nature ”

“ The first works of Taddeo were executed with. a facility, which was received from nature, rather than acquired by art. They were performed in the church of Santa Croce, in Florence, and in the chapel of the sacristy, where, in company with others, (also disciples of the deceased Giotto) , he painted stories from the Life of Santa Maria Maddalena; the figures of these works are very fine, and the vestments, after the fashion of those times, are also beautiful and curious. ”

“ There are, besides, the soldiers casting lots for the vestments; hope and fear are well expressed in the faces of all, as they watch the throwing of the dice: one awaiting his turn stands armed, and in an attitude of great restraint and uneasiness ”

“ While all these works were proceeding, after the designs and under the direction of Taddeo, he did not neglect his paintings, and among other works he completed the Tribune of the old Mercanzia, [22] where he depicted the six figures which represent the principal persons composing that court: they are looking at Truth, who is pourtrayed in the act of tearing out the tongue of Falsehood. The former is covered with a transparent veil, while the latter is wrapped in black vestments; both are females, and the whole work exhibits considerable force of invention. ”

“ In the church of the Sasso della Yernia, in Casentino, Taddeo Gaddi painted the chapel, in which St. Francis received the stigmata; [29] he was assisted in the minor details of the picture by Jacopo di Casentino, who became the disciple of Taddeo, in consequence of that master’s visit to Casentino, on the occasion here alluded to. Having completed this undertaking, Taddeo, accompanied by Giovanni, the Milanese, returned to Florence, in which city and its neighbourhood he executed many works of importance ”

“ Peter from shipwreck: the apostles, who manage the boat in this picture, are certainly very beautiful; and among other things may be remarked, a figure standing on the shore and fishing with a line (a subject previously treated by Giotto in the Navicella of St. Peter’s) , in which there is extraordinary force and animation. In the third section of the ceiling is the Ascension of Christ, and the fourth represents the descent of the Holy Spirit: in this picture are certain Jews, seeking to press through the doorway, who exhibit much beauty and variety of attitude. ”

“ Discepol fu di Giotto il buon maestro.” [24]
Taddeo was also employed at Arezzo, where he received a commission for several works in fresco, which he executed admirably, with the assistance of his pupil Giovanni da Milano. One of these paintings is still to be seen in the church belonging to the confraternity of Spirito Santo; it is on the wall near the high altar, the subject a Crucifixion. This work has been much celebrated for the excellence of the composition and method of treatment. The thieves are seen fastened to their crosses on each side ”

“ The remainder of the space is occupied by seven theological sciences, the figure beneath each representing that condition of men considered most appropriate—the pope, the emperor, kings, cardinals, dukes, bishops, marquises, and others. ”

“ Francis, likewise in fresco, placed above the crucifixion of Donato, [6] and representing the saint at the moment when, appearing in the air, he is performing the miracle of restoring to life a boy, who has been killed by falling from a high terrace. ”

“ The bridge of Carraja was also much injured, and the flood-gates of Ognissanti broken down. [19] In this state of things, the inhabitants dwelling beyond the Arno were reduced to the necessity of crossing to their homes in boats. ”