19: The Giottosphere - Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel frescoes

Art Slice - A Palatable Serving of Art History

Stephanie Dueñas and Russell Shoemaker are back to take you way, WAY further back than ever - to the Giottosphere where they explore the frescoes of Italian artist and architect Giotto in the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel - an Early Renaissance masterpiece.

Be sure to listen to all the cuts that didn’t make it into the episode on our Patreon.

Pick up our new Art Slice Museum Shirt by Son Siwakorn here: https://www.artslicepod.com/shop

Join them as they discuss Giotto’s early life from his humble shepherd boy beginnings to his coming of age as a prodigy under the (former) GOAT painter Cimabue.

Giotto’s talent, personality, and fame landed him his most famous commission: the Scrovegni Chapel - commissioned by LendNation Loan Shark CEO Enrico Scrovegni - where he depicts the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus (oh, the irony).

At the end of Medieval times and on the cusp of the Renaissance, Giotto’s work reminds his audience that art can, in fact, depict actual humans through the use of attention to details like a figure’s emotional expression, babies (no, not shrunken men), the curl of a sheep’s wool or the drapery of a figure’s clothing. Giotto’s realistic and natural style would go on to inspire Renaissance masters like Michelangelo as well as stir emotions within those who experience the chapel

Topics include: medieval flyswatters, T-clinic lawn signs, Lord Farquaad haircuts, and ancient comets.

You can experience 360 VR of the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel here.

The Art Pantry this week is Trompe L’oeil.

The song featured in this episode was “En attendant domain (Waiting for Tomorrow)” which is one of a hundred incredible songs by Rrrrrose of Loyalty Freak Music. Support Rrrrrose’s mission to create queer, free music against Capitalism and Fascism on Patreon. Consider supporting their work!

Reviewing, subscribing, liking, and sharing really helps support the show:

Follow us on twitter, tiktok, youtube, and instagram.

You can also support us on Patreon here and/or grab some merch: https://www.artslicepod.com/shop

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy