Summary of 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

— 04:28 — « the Madonna looks so thin, almost as if shes a paper cutout, and the Giotto looks so substantial, so solid. »

— 04:59 — « hes peeking his head through in the back there. »

— 06:43 — « That is, putting an emphasis on the here and now. »