Fourteenth Century Art in Europe

The Black Death and Its Impact on 14th Century European Art

Introduction

  • The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, had a profound impact on Europe.

Lesson Objectives

  • Examine the impact of the Black Death on the culture and art of the period.
  • Appraise Giotto Di Bondone's accomplishments in painting.

Key Terms

  • Black Death
  • Triumph of Death
  • Giotto di Bondone

The Black Death

  • A deadly plague that swept through Europe in the early to mid-14th century.
  • Mortality Rate:
    • In urban areas, mortality rates reached as high as 80%.
    • Roughly half of Europe's population was decimated.
  • Perception:
    • Many believed it to be divine punishment for earthly sins.
  • Impact:
    • The Black Death shaped a sorrowful culture in Europe, influencing artistic themes and compositions.

The Triumph of Death

  • Fresco created in the 1330s, located in Pisa, Italy.
  • Artist: Attributed to Buffamaccio, the "Master of the Triumph of Death."
  • Imagery:
    • Mound of bodies: Represents victims of the bubonic plague.
    • Angels and demons: Carrying souls to heaven or hell.
    • Wealthy individuals: Enjoying life under orange trees, seemingly unaware of the impending doom, suggesting a disconnect or sense of untouchability among the wealthy.
    • Coffins with corpses: Illustrate the inescapable nature of death and mortality.
    • Hermits: Living in isolation, spared from the plague, highlighting the lower risk in less densely populated areas.
  • Interpretation:
    • Death triumphs over humanity regardless of status.
    • Piety and humility offer salvation.
    • Reflects the social and cultural anxieties of the time.

Giotto di Bondone

  • Early Renaissance artist.
  • Comparison with Cimabue:
    • Virgin and Child Enthroned:
      • Both artists painted this theme, but Giotto's work shows advancements.
      • Cimabue's version: Static and linear.
      • Giotto's version: Spatial consistency, sculpted forms, and emerging humanity.
  • Key Differences:
    • Dimensionality: Giotto uses light and shadow to create three-dimensional forms, unlike Cimabue's flat figures.
    • Humanity: Mary is depicted with more human-like qualities, such as holding the child's leg.
    • Spatial Depth: Giotto employs a primitive form of atmospheric perspective, where figures become smaller as they recede into the distance.

Scrovegni Chapel

  • Fresco paintings created between 1305 and 1306 in Padua, Italy.
  • Depicts the story of Jesus and Mary in a series of panels.
  • Illustrates Giotto's mastery in modeling forms with light and shadow.

The Lamentation

  • Panel from the Scrovegni Chapel.
  • Composition:
    • Off-centered focal point: Drawn to the body of Jesus being cradled by Mary.
    • Lines of sight: Onlookers gaze towards the focal point.
    • Landscape: Directs attention to the main subject.
  • Use of Color:
    • Bright reds and yellows draw the eye to key areas.
  • Emotional Depth:
    • Reflects the human suffering and sorrow of the Black Death era.
    • Mary's anguish: Represents true human suffering, moving away from symbolic sorrow.

Review of Objectives

  • The lecture examined the impact of the Black Death on the culture and art of the period and appraised Giotto Di Bondone's accomplishments in painting.

Conclusion

  • Giotto's work paved the way for artistic innovation and change.
  • He transformed art into something more relatable to the human spirit.
  • Giotto's advancements laid the foundations for the Renaissance, marking a rebirth of classical and ancient ideas.