Explore the Rediscovery and subsequent history about the History of this artwork.
Masaccio's Holy Trinity was rediscovered when Vasari's altar was dismantled during renovations in 1860. The Crucifixion, the upper part of the fresco, was subsequently transferred to canvas, and relocated to a different part of the church.  It is unclear from available sources whether the lower section of the fresco, the cadaver tomb, remained unknown or was deliberately omitted (and possibly plastered over) during the 1860s construction work.Restoration was done to the Crucifixion section of the painting at that time, to replace missing areas of the design; mostly architectural details around the perimeter of the work.  While the painting was in damaged condition when rediscovered, it is also likely that further damage was caused by the transfer from plaster to canvas.In the 20th century, the cadaver tomb portion of the work was rediscovered in situ, and the two halves were re-united in their original location in 1952.  Leonetto Tintori undertook restoration work on the combined whole during 1950–1954.Charles de Tolnay believed that the lower part of the fresco did not match the upper part in terms of style.  Other experts assumed later changes in part of the painting or the loss of some parts, which creates the impression of fragmentation.
Masaccio cadaver tomb Trinity Holy Trinity Charles de Tolnay Crucifixion in situ fresco