Master of the Cappella Medici Polyptych

It would appear that the Master was well respected, even if he occupied a modest position in local artistic circles. He forms part of a line of artists, beginning with the Master of Saint Cecilia and continuing through Pacino de Bonaguida, whose work bears the influence of Giotto even as it stands in contrast. Similar painters, who have been described as being of the "miniaturist tendency", were best known for their work on illuminated manuscripts; nevertheless, the Master of the Cappella Medici Poliptych is known only through a dozen panel paintings. Among these is a large Crucifix in Stuttgart, as well as smaller works, such as a Virgin and Child Enthroned with Four Saints (once part of a portable altarpiece, now separated and found in Detroit). Based upon the limited evidence of these works, the Master likely trained in Pacino's workshop at some point during the second decade of the fourteenth century. His figures are generally timid-looking and doll-like, and reveal a kinship with the younger and more prolific Master of the Dominican Effigies; so similar are their works that the two were initially confused, and it is still believed that they may have worked together. A debt to Giotto may be seen in some works; from the 1320s on his style betrays knowledge of the work of Jacopo del Casentino and Bernardo Daddi. Unlike the latter, however, he had little success in adapting his training in smaller genres to the large-scale style of Giotto.

The recorded working language is Italian. Places of work recorded in the authority are Florence. Work by Master of the Cappella Medici Polyptych is recorded in the collections of Bonnefanten Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts and Cini Palace Gallery.