Quote of the Day

“Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbour.” - Giotto

Giotto and Animation

The Adoration of the Magi (detail), by Giotto, ca. 1305

"Inspirational Sketch", Albert Hurter, Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)Italy’s northern city of Padua is the site of incredible works of art by Giotto, the great proto-Renaissance master. Galileo’s observatory is also housed at a university there, established in 1222. But another lesser known attraction is the Museum of Pre-Cinema. Animator John Canemaker has written an interesting piece entitled, “Giotto and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” that’s definitely a must read--for all of you animators--and animation film buffs. Check it out...

Modernism and Giotto: Back and Forth on a Time Machine

(Left) Diego Rivera - The Agitator, detail, 1926, Autonomous University of Chapingo. (Right) Giotto - Crucifixion, detail, c. 1305, Scrovegni Chapel, PaduaOne of the primary goals of Modern Art was to break with the traditions of the past that had been defined by the Renaissance. But inspiration doesn’t develop in a vacuum! Key modernists such as Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Rivera--and many other artists--journeyed back in time to pre-Renaissance days in search of a muse. They found one in the great fourteenth century master, Giotto. I will begin a five-week program on this topic at the Palos Verdes Art Center--on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-3:30, and beginning Tuesday, April 10th. In this program, we will examine the significant links (and in some cases direct quotations) between the “father of European painting” and the Moderns masters. Giotto once said, “Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbor.” Come on our voyage to find out how modernism interpreted this idea--working from the Giotto model. Space is limited so register now! Click here for more info and to register.

Giotto: “The Father of European Painting”

Giotto - Scenes from the Life of Joachim: Joachim among the Shepherds - 1304-06 - Fresco, 200 x 185 cm - Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), PaduaGiotto (c. 1266-1337) was the most important Italian painter of the 14th century. His works point to the innovations of the Renaissance style that developed a century after he lived. For seven centuries, Giotto has been revered as the “Father of European Painting” and the first of the great Italian masters. He is the only artist in the Western Tradition who has no forerunner. Without precedent, he broke away from the styles of the Middle Ages and ushered in what Vasari called “the good modern manner”. Giotto’s influence can also be felt in the Modern and Postmodern movements--particularly in works by such artists as Diego Rivera and Fernando Botero.

Quote of the Day

"Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbour." - Giotto di Bondone (c. 1267-1337)