Giotto di Bondone is considered to be one of the true great early Italiam Renesaince painters.  Giotto was born in 1267 and was also an architect in his time.  The Florentine painter is considered by many to be the founder of Western painting due to the radical way in which he diverged from traditional Byzantine and Gothic tradition.  His works have always been praised for their realisim, as well as there concern with illusionistic pictorial space.  In fact, before Giotto, it has been said thatpainting was largely considered a craft, that is, a mechanical method of attaining an end.  Giotto, changed this perception.  Himself just as much a shrewd businessman as well as painter and archetect, he did extremely well for himself supporting eitght children and living through multiple marriages.  One of the most praised traits about Giotto's work is his ability to bring a sense of three demensions to all that he did.  Many later masters, including Masaccio and Michaelangelo are said to have been influenced by, and built upon his work.  Dante is said to have considered him the "foremost painter". With many more praises and much larger than life status coming almost immediately after his death in 1337.


Works of art by Giotto

Links to sites related to Giotto

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