Today in class we discussed the idea of progress that has been consistently emphasized in Italian Art. I saw this most clearly when we looked at Cimabue vs Giotto’s Enthroned Madonna. This is where I really understand the rebirth aspect of the Italian Renaissance. It is a very Greek thing, for artists to look at each other’s work and attempt to improve it.
I tend to be of the belief that some personality can be lost when there is an overemphasis in naturalism. I like the gold foils of Cimabue’s Madonna, I resonate more with a rendering of Maria that is allegorical, and more figurative than naturalistic.
However, I also want to discuss The Lamentation, as it is one of my favorite Giotto’s. I think this painting is where I start to distinguish the body as a means of expression and sentimentality. He really captures grief as an activity of movement, in the arms, the wailing, even the movement of facial features to express profound sorrow. I also think the composition of this painting is important. H