The Ruchellai Chapel in the Florentine church of San Pancrazio: between private and public

Abstract

This is the first Russian study of the Rucellai chapel in the church of San Pancrazio in Florence. This funeral chapel, completed in 1467, was commissioned by the largest Florentine patron, Giovanni di Paolo Rucellai, and is associated with Leon Battista Alberti. A copy of the Holy Sepulchre with golden ratio proportions is the kernel of the ensemble. The chapel is one of the most important examples of the adoption of sacred topography in Tuscany. It has influenced several Italian monuments. Special attention is paid to issues of commissioning and to the social and public importance of the Rucellai chapel. The author gives her own interpretation of its decoration, primarily of the inlays of emblems of the customer and of Medici family members. The monument is considered as part of the conceptual ensemble of buildings commissioned by Giovanni Rucellai. It is shown how his subtle plan has increased the importance of the family tomb, at least within the city. This has significantly raised the social and political status of its owner. The author analyses the circumstances which made the Rucellai chapel an important part of the architectural, cultural and sacred image of Quattrocento Florence.