Giotto di Bondone
Born: c. 1267, Vespignano, Republic of Florence Died: January 8, 1337, Florence
Italian painter and architect from Florence during the Late Middle Ages. Giotto was "the most sovereign master of painting in his time, who drew all his figures and their postures according to nature." He is considered a major figure of the Early Trecento and Proto-Renaissance period.
Artworks
Crucifix
The earliest known artwork by Giotto. Revolutionary in its naturalistic depiction of Christ's suffering body, departing from the rigid Byzantine tradition.
Madonna Enthroned (Ognissanti Madonna)
One of Giotto's masterpieces, showing his revolutionary approach to naturalism and three-dimensionality.
St. Francis Undergoing the Test by Fire
Depicts St. Francis undergoing the test by fire before the sultan of Egypt. Contains one of the earliest known representations of black people in Western art.
Funeral of St. Francis
Notable for its calm composition balanced with dramatic details, exemplifying Giotto's narrative mastery.
