
Under the main frescoes of the Capilla del Arena in Padua, Giotto placed a series of images embodying human vices and virtues. On the south wall of the chapel, he portrayed seven virtues: Discretion, Strength, Moderation, Justice, Faith, Mercy and Hope.
Opposite them, on the northern wall, seven vices are depicted: Despair, Envy, Unbelief, Injustice, Anger, Inconstancy and Stupidity. All these images, painted in shades of gray, resemble stone sculptures. This technique was first used in the history of painting by Giotto; later it was called grisaille.
Each image is accompanied by a corresponding Latin inscription, and the images themselves are placed inside the “empty” frames, thanks to which the figures seem sculpted from marble.
The figure of the archangel Gabriel from the fresco “Annunciation” by Giotto
The death of St. Francis by Giotto
Paintings of the Capella del Arena by Giotto di Bondone
Stigmatization of St. Francis by Giotto
The Presentation of the Lord by Giotto
Pallas Expelling Vices from the Garden of Virtues by Andrea Mantegna
Crucifixion by Giotto
Murales de la capilla del arena – Giotto di Bondone