Arena Chapel and Giotto's Frescoes

Overview

• Located in Arena Chapel, near an ancient Roman arena.
• Commissioned by the Scrovegni family.
• Completely decorated with frescoes by Giotto.

Features of the Chapel

• Faux Marble Panels: Illusion of inlaid stone through painting.
• Ceiling: Star-studded blue sky with images of Christ, Mary, and other saints.

Structure of the Frescoes

• Organized in three registers:
  1. Top Register: Begins with Christ’s grandparents, birth of Mary, and her marriage.
  2. Second Register: Chronicles Christ’s life or ministry.
  3. Bottom Register: Focuses on the Passion, depicting events at the end of Christ’s life and post-death.

Theme and Commissioning

• Commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni to atone for the sin of usury.
• Usury: Charging interest on loans, considered sinful; Enrico’s father was notoriously mentioned in Dante’s "Divine Comedy".
• Chapel built as a "good work" to balance against the sin, hoping to secure a place in heaven.

Depictions in the Chapel

• Last Judgment: Enrico is depicted kneeling, offering the chapel to the Virgin Mary, positioning himself among the blessed.
• God and Gabriel: Scene at the triumphal arch apex, showcasing divine communication with Mary.
• Panel Painting: God's depiction in a conservative style, different from the frescoes.

Artistic Techniques

• Illusionism: Throughout the fresco cycles, giving a sense of depth and realism.
• Naturalism: Earthly settings with architectural spaces for Mary and the angel, using light and shadow.

Significance

• Giotto’s frescoes show naturalism and interest in the physical space and humanity, moving away from the medieval style of divine gold backgrounds.
• Represents a shift towards realism in art, emphasizing earthly life and the human experience.