This is just a short homage to another genius occupying a special place in my pantheon of outstanding artists. Giotto di Bondone opened the door to the Renaissance; a movement that injected realism and proportion into the world of art. Giotto used light and shadow in a revolutionary way to show depth and passion, breaking with the medieval tradition that favored a flat and unrealistic form. Giotto is known for his frescos in the Scorvegni Chapel in Padua. And anyone who has been to Assisi will remember his indescribably beautiful frescos, coating virtually every wall of the main basilica, that depict the life of St. Francis of Assisi. In addition, Giotto designed the famous, multicolored bell tower of Florence’s cathedral.
I’ve always been captivated by the powerful expressions that are frozen on the faces of Giotto’s subjects, especially the angels hovering around the Crucifixion. His works appear to be a balanced, yet stunning hybrid of Byzantine mysticism and Western realism. There’s a passion that complements a deeper and otherworldly serenity found in Giotto’s work. Here are a some samples.
We just saw some of his work at the Harvard Art Museum 2 weekends ago. Including a very good copy of his famous St. Francis from the basilica in Assisi.
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