Overview
This lecture analyzes Giotto's fresco "The Lamentation" in the arena chapel, focusing on its emotional impact, composition, and symbolism related to Christ's death and resurrection.
Scene Description & Emotional Impact
- "The Lamentation" depicts Christ mourned by Mary and followers after his crucifixion.
- The scene emphasizes deep grief, especially in Mary's posture holding her dead son.
- Giotto highlights the humanity and physicality of Christ, a modern approach for the time.
Composition & Artistic Choices
- Giotto centers the focus on figures by simplifying the background.
- Christ is positioned off-center, with the landscape guiding the viewer's eyes toward him and Mary.
- A barren tree symbolizes the possibility of resurrection, paralleling Christ's story.
- Mary supports Christ's body tenderly, emphasizing maternal grief and disbelief.
- Mary Magdalene, known for anointing Christ's feet, is shown attending his feet with care.
Innovations in Naturalism & Space
- Giotto uses figures with their backs to the viewer to frame the central scene, enhancing focus and realism.
- The arrangement creates a sense of real, occupied space for the figures.
- Figures are anchored to the ground, contrasting medieval floating figures and adding weight and gravity.
Depiction of Grief & Individuality
- Angels above the scene actively mourn, displaying agony and emotion.
- Human figures express grief in unique ways, showing individuality in their reactions.
- The naturalistic depiction marks a transition toward Renaissance art.
Symbolic & Narrative Connections
- The composition connects Christ's death, mourning, and resurrection through landscape elements.
- Trompe-l'oeil (illusionistic) stonework includes Jonah and the whale, foreshadowing Christ's resurrection.
- Old Testament scenes in the chapel pair with New Testament events, drawing analogies between Jonah's deliverance and Christ's resurrection.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Lamentation — a scene of mourning for Christ after his removal from the cross.
- Naturalism — artistic style focusing on realistic representation of figures and emotions.
- Trompe-l'oeil — painting technique creating the illusion of three-dimensionality.
- Quatrefoil — a decorative element with four lobes, containing painted scenes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the pairing of Old and New Testament scenes in Giotto’s chapel.
- Study Giotto’s innovations in composition and naturalism for class discussion.