Giotto revolutionized Italian painting with his naturalistic style. He brought depth, emotion, and humanity to religious art, paving the way for the Renaissance. His innovative techniques in frescoes and panel paintings influenced generations of artists.

The Florentine and Sienese schools developed distinct styles in the 14th century. While Florence emphasized realism and perspective, Siena focused on decorative elements and spiritual content. Both were shaped by religious and economic factors of the time.

Giotto and the Sienese School: Innovations and Influences

Naturalism and emotion in Giotto's works

• Spatial depth and perspective enhanced through architectural elements created depth and foreshortening techniques
• Humanization of religious figures achieved via realistic facial expressions and natural body postures
• Emotional expressiveness conveyed human emotions in sacred narratives through body language
• Volumetric figures represented human forms three-dimensionally using light and shadow
• Narrative clarity improved through sequential storytelling in fresco cycles focusing on key religious moments (Arena Chapel, Padua)

Florentine vs Sienese painting styles

• Florentine School emphasized naturalism, spatial depth, linear perspective, sculptural modeling (Masaccio's Holy Trinity)
• Sienese School focused on decorative elements, stylized figures, spiritual content, rich colors (Duccio's Maestà)
• Compositional differences: Florentine balanced and symmetrical, Sienese fluid and asymmetrical
• Influential artists: Florentine (Giotto, Masaccio), Sienese (Duccio, Simone Martini)

Religious and Socioeconomic Factors

Franciscan influence on Italian art

• Emphasized humanity of Christ and saints, depicting relatable human qualities
• Promoted narrative art through fresco cycles illustrating saints' lives (Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi)
• Patronized new church construction, commissioning decorative programs
• Incorporated spiritual themes: poverty, humility, simplicity, nature as divine reflection
• Spread Franciscan iconography: St Francis imagery, scenes from his life (Giotto's St Francis cycle)

Patronage in Proto-Renaissance art

• Patrons included wealthy merchants, religious orders, civic governments
• Commissioned works: altarpieces, fresco cycles, illuminated manuscripts
• Influenced artistic themes: religious for churches, secular for private patrons
• Economic factors: patron competition, large-scale project funding
• Artist-patron relationships governed by contracts specifying materials and subjects
• Regional variations: Florence emphasized civic pride, Siena focused on religious devotion (Palazzo Pubblico frescoes)