Madonna with Child and Angels (Madonna of Onisanti) by Giotto

Madonna with Child and Angels (Madonna of Onisanti) by Giotto

This large altarpiece of Giotto, representing the Virgin and Child, surrounded by angels and saints, is made in the tradition of the XI-XIII centuries. Then the Italian painting was under strong Byzantine influence, but the artist introduced something completely new in the medieval pictorial canon.

The Madonna sits on the throne not strictly in the center and is depicted half-turned. Her figure was written by Giotto so that she looks majestic and voluminous, this is emphasized by the plastic folds of the garment. The conditional golden background, which symbolizes the heavens, is combined here with the depth of space, expressed through the architecture of the throne of its steps and baldachin.

The master focused his attention on the emotions of the characters, depicting angels and saints reverently raising their heads and with mental trepidation looking at the Mother of God with the Child.

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