Madonna and Child
Image courtesy of
The National Gallery of Art, U.S.A

Giotto ( -1337)

Full Name:
Giotto di Bondone

Nationality:
Italian

Movement or School:
Byzantine/Renaissance

Education:
It is rumored that the artist Cimabue discovered Giotto's artistic talent as a child, but it is also possible that his family moved to Florence where he studied art.

Life/Lifestyle:
He had numerous commissions from religious organizations.  We know that he married Cuita di lapo del Pela of Florence, and the couple had eight children. He became quite wealthy with his numerous commissions. Among his employers are the Arena Chapel and the Church of Santa Croce.

Giotto was given the position of Chief Master of the Cathedral Building and the Chief of Public Works in Florence in 1334. He died near the end of 1337.

Contribution to Portraits and Figures:
Giotto's artwork is part of a style repeated in the Early Renaissance. In his time, artist were known to paint mainly religious figures because paintings were highly in demand by religious institutions. It was Giotto, who helped add the third dimension in art. His artwork was studied by High Renaissance greats such as Michelangelo, and though it was half a century before the beginning of the Renaissance, he had a large impact on their style.

Famous Pieces:
Paintings in the Arena Chapel
The Dance of Salome
Madonna and Child