Giotto's Life (jan 1, 1266 – jan 8, 1337)
Description:
Giotto di Bondone was born in a typical Tuscan farmhouse around 1266 from farmers in Colle di Vespignano in Mugello near Florence. Legend has it that Giotto was discovered by Cimabue while he was portraying his sheeps on a stone. Thereby around 1272 Giotto is apprentice of Cimabue in Florence near Santa Maria Novella. Together with Cimabue goes to Assisi and Rome.Around 1290 he opens his own workshop. Another legend has it that was Cimabue himself to suggest Giotto opening his activity when he tried to chase away a fly painted by Giotto. Few years later he goes to Assisi and fresco the Upper Church with the Life of Saint Francis.
In between 1200 and 1300 Giotto works between Assisi and Rome. He is a rich and extremely appreciated artist, overcoming his master Cimabue, as mentioned by Dante Alighieri. In fact he is commissioned to fresco the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua (about 1303-1306).
He comes back to Florence around 1311 as documented by legal documents related to his properties. Between 1320 and 1325 he works in Santa Croce realizing the beautiful Peruzzi Chapel and Bardi Chapel.
He then goes to Naples, since he was called by King Robert of Anjou and realized the Baroncelli Polypthic, today in San Diego CA. In 1327 he comes back to Florence and works as master builder for the Florentine Opera del Duomo. He starts building Florence Bell Tower that is named after him. Giotto dies in Florence on January 8th 1337. He's buried inside the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1266
jan 8, 1337
~ 71 years