The “Cappellone degli Spagnoli” is a must-see when visiting Florence’s expansive Santa Maria Novella Dominican complex. Meetings of the religious community, spiritual instruction, commercial discussions, the rectification of public inadequacies, and the issuance of orders were all planned in this historic chapter room. Fra Jacopo Talenti, the man behind the understated bell tower, constructed the chapel between 1343 and 1355.
Buonamico Guidalotti, also known as Mico, left a testamentary bequest that funded it. His coat of arms is located at the base of the vault, immediately above the side pillars. Guidalotti promised to furnish her with murals by Andrea da Bonaiuto (1365–67), which were created within 10 years after the construction was completed, in addition to setting aside money for the costs of the project.
The dome was constructed decades later (1420–36), therefore how is it possible? That is the sole issue. Although he entered the competition to build the cathedral’s massive monument, Andrea Di Bonaiuto was not given any consideration.
The famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi frequently visited the S.M. Novella complex (we also recall the contribution of the wooden cross in the Gondi chapel), and it’s possible that the fresco by master Andrea da Bonaiuto served as inspiration.
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