The Battle of Saint Ephysius - Fratelli Alinari

A 19th-century albumen print by Fratelli Alinari documenting the 14th-century fresco of Saint Ephysius by Spinello Aretino in Pisa.

This albumen print by the Fratelli Alinari studio captures a photographic reproduction of the fresco cycle depicting the life of Saint Ephysius, originally painted by Spinello Aretino in the late 14th century. The original fresco is located within the Camposanto Monumentale in Pisa, Italy. The photograph documents the narrative scene of the battle against the infidels of Sardinia, a work known for its dynamic composition and the depiction of medieval military equipment.

Spinello Aretino, a master of the late Gothic period, utilised a narrative style that prioritised movement and clarity. The Alinari brothers, pioneers in the field of photographic documentation of Italian art, captured this image during the 19th century. Their work was essential for the preservation of visual records of frescoes that were often subject to environmental degradation or damage. The photograph retains the sepia tones characteristic of the albumen process, which provides a soft, monochromatic rendering of the original painted surfaces.

The composition is divided into two primary sections, reflecting the episodic nature of the fresco. On the left, figures are shown in preparation or prayer, while the right side is dominated by the chaotic energy of the mounted combatants. The Alinari studio's approach to such subjects was methodical, aiming for high fidelity to the original artwork's scale and detail. This print offers a view into the historical intersection of early photography and the study of Italian Renaissance art, providing a window into the state of the Camposanto frescoes before the significant damage sustained during the Second World War.