Giorgio Vasari: Giotto, Cimabue

RESPONSE

What impression did you get of these artists from reading Vasari’s description of their lives? Did anything surprise you or make you think in a new way about these artists while reading the text? Please choose a single line from the reading (this can be a part of a sentence or just one sentence) and then describe why that line struck you in the following format...

While reading Vasari's 'Lives of the Artists' I was struck by the value and appreciation of art changing in comparison to new achievements.

The line from the reading that made me think about this art in a new way was the sentence, “Once Cimabue thought to hold the field As painter; Giotto now is all the rage, Dimming the lustre of the other's fame.”

That line got me thinking because despite the praise Cimabue received and the contributions to the development of the arts, he became overlooked because of Giotto. Even though he is believed to be Cimabue’s apprentice, most of Giotto’s accomplishments are said to be self-taught or by nature.

Your total response should be between 100-150 words.

NOTES

Giovanni Cimabue

• learned from painters from Greek and improved art style

• Gondi Chapel

• Madonna and her son

• Fresco

————— Wet on wet built into wall durable

————— Dry not durable

————— In sections

Giotto Bondone

• overshadowed Cimabue

• ——