Taddeo Gaddi Florentine Artist and Builder of the Ponte Vecchio

Taddeo Gaddi was a pre-Renaissance artist who became the famed Giotto's greatest pupil. Gaddi is also noted for building the renowned Ponte Vecchio in Florence. It was the first bridge to span the Arno River. Until 1218 there was no bridge over the Arno River. Damaged heavily by repeated flooding the Ponte Vecchio was nearly demolished on numerous occasions. Today it is a place where many shops for local merchants are located. Gaddi's work has been shown in the United States. My research describes one of his paintings being displayed in the Brooklyn Museum in 1922. From a family of merchants and artists, Gaddi's father was a noteworthy Florentine painter and mosaic worker.