Paolo Uccello (1397 - 1475)

Uccello was long thought to be significant primarily for his role in establishing new means of rendering perspective that became a major component of the Renaissance style. The 16th-century biographer Giorgio Vasari said that Uccello was "intoxicated" by perspective. Later historians found the unique charm and decorative genius evinced by his compositions to be an even more important contribution. Though in ruinous condition, they indicate the immense difficulties faced by artists of his time in taking advantage of new developments without giving up the best in traditional art. Still, to me the Flood is, after Piero della Francisca's Arezzo cycle, the most exciting fresco of the quattrocento.

Uccello's Frescoes in the Green Cloisters, Santa Maria Novella, Florence 1432-1448

Starting In 1432-36 Uccello painted a cycle of frescoes in the Green Cloisters of Santa Maria Novella. Their poor condition adds to their enigmatic subjects. Perspecitive construction was his major preoccupation especially in the late Flood frescoes.

Noah's Drunkeness

Original Sin

The Great Flood