The Distribution of Alms and the Death of Ananias

The episode is taken from the account in the Acts of the Apostles. Masaccio brings together the two moments of the story: Peter distributing the donations that have been presented to the Apostles and the death of Ananias, whose body lies on the ground at his feet. The scene takes place in a setting of great solemnity, and the classical composition is constructed around opposing groups of character.