Cloister of the Scalzo

The Chiostro dello Scalzo is located in Florence in the northern area of the historic city center.

The cloister was the atrium of the chapel of the Compagnia dei Disciplinati di San Giovanni Battista , known as dello Scalzo , founded in 1376. The architecture was designed by the architect Giuliano da Sangallo . The great Florentine painter Andrea del Sarto painted on several occasions, from 1509 to 1526, the walls of the cloister with monochrome scenes depicting the Life of the Baptist and the Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity and Justice.

During this important period of time it is possible to notice the stylistic difference between one scene and another. In particular, the Baptism of Christ highlights the closeness to the young Michelangelo. Two episodes of the series were performed by Franciabigio , on the occasion of the absence of Andrea del Sarto .

The Capture of the Baptist and the Baptism of the multitudes in Mannerist style underline the differences between Franciabigio and Andrea del Sarto .