The Story Behind these Giotto Prints

Giotto (c.1267-1337) was an Italian artist and architect during the Gothic and early Renaissance eras. He began his early life as a cheerful shepherd boy who drew images of sheep on rocks. It is said that Cimabue discovered him and took him on as an apprentice although this is commonly disputed and there are few clear recordings of Giotto’s training.

Vasari wrote that Giotto’s style advanced from the Byzantine artistry of the time toward more realistic depictions of the religious subject matter. He designed beautifully rendered portraits, introducing the technique of drawing lifelike figures that were truer to form. This went on to be a prominent feature during the Renaissance period.

His most famous masterpiece was the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua which he completed around 1305. The fresco style mural is regarded as one of the great marvels of the Renaissance era and Giotto’s style was very influential during that time and continues to be so today. These Giotto art prints celebrate some of his most successful pieces, such as the Kiss of Judas and The Last Supper.