Art History Analysis: Giotto’s ‘The Resurrection of Lazarus’
Architecture
Cataloging
We read the title and name of the architect, building type, place the work chronologically, the place of origin, the place where the dimensions are, and where we make a material review and construction system (fenced, arched, etc.).
Formal Analysis
Explain the units that form the building, planning, decoration, and style, but without interpretation. First, we must mention the supporting elements and the supported elements. Secondly, we talk about the management of parts of the building, decoration, and style.
Interpretation
We find the meaning of the work. To do so, we must explain the issue, receipt, and the time associated with the work and the social role of the artist. After, we make an overall assessment of the work and, eventually, we discuss the role that the work has.
The Resurrection of Lazarus by Giotto
Artwork Details
This artwork is titled *The Resurrection of Lazarus*, created by Giotto di Bondone in the fourteenth century. The style used is Italo-Gothic, that is, the Gothic of Italy, which is the technique of fresco painting on a wall. This painting can be found in the Scrovegni Chapel (also known as the Arena Chapel) in Padua. The main theme of the work is the resurrection of Lazarus. It is part of the set of 38 frescoes in the chapel of the Scrovegni family, which represents numerous passages of the Gospels.
Formal Analysis
In this painting, Giotto was an early precursor of this style, using a range of pastel shades that allow the change of distance and proximity. In addition, the light looks for a spatial effect to give the work a more natural feel. Moreover, Giotto was also a major introducer of the corporeal figures represented, thanks to the study of anatomical models. We can clearly see the humanity of Christ, as Giotto depicts him the same size as the rest of the characters. Besides, we can also see the expressions of the figures (surprise, veneration). Behind are the disciples of Jesus, and in the background of the work are the Jews who wept over the death of Lazarus, as well as the two women on their knees who are the sisters of Lazarus. In the same vein, Lazarus appears to have emerged from the dressing with a very pale face. This painting is more realistic than the full Gothic style. It is an attempt to move because it introduces a natural landscape in the background. The definition of gestures of different shapes and folds of clothing give movement and volume. Though not quite achieved, there is an attempt to achieve depth, and the figures are also geometric. With the background as a landscape painting, Giotto achieved a three-dimensional effect and, as I said, gave more realism to the work.
Style
The style can be said about that Giotto is between Gothic and pre-Renaissance, which gave rise to Italo-Gothic, known as a style that did not follow all the rules of Italian Trecento Gothic. This new style introduced innovations such as the anatomical study of the bodies or the expressiveness that will give volume and movement. All this meant the loss of Byzantine features because naturalism took more prominence, and that’s why the religious scenes were going to be humanized. But Giotto left some features of the Sienese school, such as gold leaf or almond-shaped eyes.
Interpretation
Theme
The resurrection of Lazarus is one of the miracles of Jesus that appears in the New Testament. The Messiah, along the side of his followers, has his hands towards the tomb in which Lazarus is, accompanied by his family. Lazarus is a biblical character from the New Testament. He is the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany, who lived on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Based on the Gospel of John, Jesus was there at least three times at their home and resurrected Lazarus. With all this, what was achieved is that the name of the protagonist of the work, Lazarus, is used as a synonym for resurrection.
Context
This work is considered one of Giotto’s masterpieces, which was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni, a Florentine bourgeois who wanted to decorate the private chapel of his family. This caused the Church to not be the only one who commissioned works of art because, at that time, there was a demand for the bourgeoisie to have artwork in their homes, as painting was considered a very luxurious item. And thanks to this demand, artists could work in palaces or chapels, among others, instead of only in churches.
Function
The main function of *The Resurrection of Lazarus* is decorative or even based on religious events, but as a particular commission, it can only have this function.
About the Author
Regarding the author, Giotto di Bondone, we can say that he was born in Colle Vespignano and died in Florence. Giotto was a remarkable painter, sculptor, and architect, as well as a key figure of the Italian Trecento. Giotto, through his works, is considered one of the first artists that led to the creation of the Italian Renaissance, although he was limited to painting fully religious subjects, as we see in this case.