Cimabue, Santa Trinita Madonna & Giotto's Ognissanti Madonna

Comparison of two Proto-Renaissance masters, Cimabue and Giotto, through their paintings of the Madonna Enthroned in the Uffizi in Florence

• Both paintings are altar paintings, large in size to be seen from a distance in church
• Cimabue is considered the first artist in the Italian painting tradition to move away from medieval style towards a more human-focused Renaissance style
• The paintings depict Mary holding the Christ child, surrounded by angels, saints, and prophets, with lots of gold
• The paintings are created using egg tempera on wooden panels with flattened gold leaf for ornamental purposes
• Cimabue's painting shows distinct medieval and Byzantine elements, while Giotto's painting features more realistic modeling and depth
• Giotto's painting shows a more substantial and solid depiction of the Madonna compared to Cimabue's more thin and elongated figure
• Giotto's painting also features angels with more depth and realism, as well as a clear point of view for the viewer
• The differences in the paintings reflect the changing cultural and artistic trends leading towards the Renaissance
• Despite differences, both paintings show a universal and timeless representation of holy figures
• Giotto's painting reflects a shift towards emphasizing the human and the present, foreshadowing the Renaissance

Creators/Contributors

• Cimabue
• Giotto