One of the painters who laid the foundations of Renaissance art was Tommaso di ser Giovanni di Mone Cassai. This 15th-century artist was so devoted to his art that he could not find time to take care of himself, hence the nickname Masaccio which means "untidy". This work represents the payment of the tax found at Matthew 17: 24-27, a theme that has rarely been depicted in the history of painting. This painting is divided into 3 sections, thus describing the story. In the center, we see Christ and His disciples, where a tax collector asks them for money. Christ asks Peter to go to the lake where there is a fish with a coin. On the left of the painting, we see the second part of the story, where Peter finds the coin and on the right, we see the third part of the story where Peter pays the tax collector.
Let us now see what this story teaches us. The fish with the coin reminds us that God, in innumerable and unpredictable ways, provides us with everything we need when we base our trust in Him. God offers spiritual food but also material goods. This teaches us that God has control over both the spiritual and the material world. Christ, who is the Son of God, reconciles matter with spirit, which is why He accepts to pay the tax collector. From the moment we become disciples of Christ, we become children of God and as His children, we receive the appropriate care. Christ also gives us the prestige not to owe anyone as the course of our lives is devoted to Him. Masaccio creates a work that reminds us of the material and spiritual independence that God offers to the person who decides to establish a relationship with Him.
Comments