The richest patrons of S.Maria Novella--corresponding to the Medici at S.Lorenzo and the Bardi at S.Croce--were the Rucellai, whose palace, designed also by the wonderful versatile Alberti, we have seen.
The interior of S.Maria Novella is very fine and spacious, and it gathers and preserves an exquisite light at all times of the day.

Nowhere in Florence is there a finer aisle, with the roof springing so nobly and masterfully from the eight columns on either side.

The whole effect, like that of S.Croce, is rather northern, the result of the yellow and brown hues; but whereas S.Croce has a crushing flat roof, this one is all soaring gladness.
The finest view of the interior is from the altar steps looking back to the beautiful circular window over the entrance, a mass of happy colour.

In the afternoon the little plain circular windows high up in the aisle shoot shafts of golden light upon the yellow walls.

The high altar of inlaid marble is, I think, too bright and too large.