Artists and art historians have hailed Giotto as a highly influential painter. The film maker Martin Scorsese called him the first cinema director because he not only brought new elements of naturalism and perspective to painting (chiaroscuro, foreshortening, stage-like settings) but also innovations in visual narrative. His masterpiece is considered to be the fresco cycle in the Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel in Padua, paid for by a wealthy banking family to ease the sin of usury.
How did Giotto use perspective and naturalism to help tell stories? Why was he so successful at reaching an audience?
To address these issues, find a narrative image from the Arena Chapel or another work by the artist and analyze it based on narrative techniques and style. How does he tell the story of the scene he depicts? Does his use of perspective and naturalism make his narration more effective? Why do you think he broke away from the Byzantine style and moved toward naturalism; what was going on at the time that might have fueled a demand for naturalistic art? How does the art and style of Giotto reflect his context?
Be sure to address issues like composition, perspective, color, materials, poses, gestures, and use of primary and secondary characters.
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