Monday we went to the Church of Santa Maria Novella. This large church is very close to the train station and about four or five blocks from us (distances are hard to judge, as the streets are neither straight nor have regular crossings).
The church is full of early Renaissance art works, more than I can post here or even take in; it is overwhelming.
The crucifix hanging over the nave is by Giotto. It includes small pictures of Mary and John on the outstretched arms.
One of the most famous paintings here is The Trinity by Masaccio. This is one of the first pieces of art to show true perspective, with the illusion of a chapel behind Christ.
Ghirlandaio painted many of the frescoes in this church. I thought this Annunciation scene was one of the most beautiful. It is interesting that the angel Gabriel is shown behind a screen talking to Mary.
Another small portion of the Ghirlandaio frescoes surrounding the choir area in the apse. It's amazing how bright the colors still are after more than five centuries.
The choir area also had this enormous lectern. You can't tell from the photo, but it has three sides. The large music manuscripts could be placed here for all to see; there would not have been small hymnals.
The backs of the seats in the choir were all different patterns of inlaid wood. The signage said that they were created before the seats and arm rests were built.
Tomorrow: more from SMN, as the train station is familiarly known.
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