Florence at the Dawn of the Renaissance

Peruzzi Altarpiece (detail), about 1309–15, Giotto di Bondone. Tempera and gold leaf on panel, 41 5/8 x 98 1/2 x 6 in. (105.7 x 250.2 x 15.2 cm). North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, GL.60.17.7 (click photo for larger image)“In the early 1300s, creativity was flourishing in Florence at a time of unprecedented prosperity, urban expansion, and intellectual innovation. The Renaissance was awakening.” This is actually the period of the proto-Renaissance--with the most glowing master being Giotto (c. 1266-1337)--who worked as both a painter and an architect.

The Getty Center in Los Angeles has a marvelous exhibit up that will run through February 10, 2013.

“This major international loan exhibition presents seven breathtaking paintings by Giotto, the largest number ever assembled in North America, as well as extraordinary works by his Florentine contemporaries.”

This is a must-see event. It will likely be many years before so many of Giotto’s works can be seen here. I urge you to visit!