How did Andrea del Castagno use Masaccio’s ideas about light and space?

Andrea del Castagno was significantly influenced by the artistic innovations of Masaccio, particularly regarding the treatment of figures and the depiction of space and light.

Castagno adopted Masaccio’s approach in the following ways:

• Sculptural Treatment: Castagno utilized Masaccio’s method of rendering figures with a sense of weight and volume, giving them a sculptural quality that made them appear as tangible, three-dimensional forms.123
• Rational Space: Following Masaccio’s example, Castagno demonstrated a strong commitment to creating credible, rationally conceived environments. In works such as his 1447 Last Supper, he employed scientific perspective to organize the pictorial space logically.13
• Use of Light: Castagno incorporated Masaccio’s sophisticated use of light to enhance the realism and drama of his compositions. This focus on light helped define the figures and the depth of the space they occupied, building upon the foundations laid by Masaccio’s earlier work.23

These elements allowed Castagno to move beyond mere craftsmanship, creating works that balanced monumental dignity with a powerful, expressive realism.13