Art is the Solution

Saint Francis Preaching to the Birds Source: Medium Although most people are acquainted with the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance (after all, the Mona Lisa is certainly the most famous painting in the world), comparatively few are familiar with the pieces of art that started the Renaissance movement. The Italian painter Giotto was among the first artists to experiment with elements of the Renaissance style, and his work influenced countless generations of artists. This piece, entitled Saint Francis Preaching to the Birds , depicts Saint Francis of Assisi—the patron saint of animals—preaching to a flock of birds about the love of God. It was a fairly popular subject for Christian artists of the time, made popular by an account of his life entitled the Little Flowers of Saint Francis . While it is a touching and memorable scene in its own right, Giotto’s approach to it is particularly beautiful.  "My sweet little sisters, birds of the sky, you are bound to heaven, to G...

Ognissanti Madonna Source:   Uffizi Gallery The work of the Italian artist Giotto occupies a unique place in art history. He is often regarded as one of the first artists of the Renaissance, and, as such, his paintings form a bridge between the Medieval and Renaissance periods. When thinking about the history of art, it’s important to remember that artistic movements don’t arise overnight. On a grand scale, stylistic changes emerge gradually. There is no sharp dividing line between the end of the Medieval period and the beginning of the Renaissance. Giotto’s Ognissanti Madonna is a good example of this. The painting is a true representation of the interaction between two stylistic movements. The piece is obviously influenced by Medieval representations of the Virgin Mary; the Madonna herself is a massive figure, towering above the angels who surround her. Her throne resembles a gothic reliquary, neither furniture nor true architectural space. The throne itself f...