Giotto and his works in Padua An Explanatory Notice of the Series of Woodcuts Executed for the Arundel Society After the Frescoes in the Arena Chapel   By: John Ruskin (1819-1900)

In "Giotto and his works in Padua: An Explanatory Notice of the Series of Woodcuts Executed for the Arundel Society After the Frescoes in the Arena Chapel" John Ruskin takes us on a captivating journey through the life and works of the renowned Italian painter, Giotto di Bondone.

The book serves as a detailed and informative guide to the frescoes found in the Arena Chapel in Padua, Italy. Ruskin's expertise and deep admiration for Giotto's art are apparent throughout, as he provides in-depth analysis of each fresco and unravels the subtle symbolism and storytelling techniques employed by the master painter.

Ruskin's writing style is scholarly yet highly accessible, making the book suitable for both art enthusiasts and those with a general interest in history. His descriptions are vivid and evocative, allowing readers to visualize the awe-inspiring artworks even if they have never had the chance to see them in person.

One of the most commendable aspects of this book is the collection of woodcuts executed for the Arundel Society, which provides readers with a visual representation of the frescoes. The woodcuts are meticulously detailed and demonstrate the immense talent of the artists who recreated Giotto's masterpieces. They serve as an excellent companion to Ruskin's explanations, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Furthermore, what sets this book apart is Ruskin's ability to not only analyze the technical aspects of the paintings but also to delve into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of Giotto's work. He explores the profound impact of Giotto's ability to humanize religious figures and infuse his art with a sense of realism and emotion. Ruskin's commentary on Giotto's genius in capturing the human condition is thought-provoking and brings a deeper appreciation for the artist's contributions to the art world.

However, one potential criticism of the book is its length. At times, the level of detail in Ruskin's analysis can be overwhelming, particularly for readers with a limited understanding of art history. Additionally, the book assumes some prior knowledge about Giotto and the Arena Chapel, which may make it less accessible to those new to the subject matter.

Overall, "Giotto and his works in Padua: An Explanatory Notice of the Series of Woodcuts Executed for the Arundel Society After the Frescoes in the Arena Chapel" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Giotto's art and its historical context. Ruskin's expertise and passionate approach make this book a captivating read, shedding light on the brilliance of Giotto's contributions to the Renaissance era.

First Page:

The following notice of Giotto has not been drawn up with any idea of attempting a history of his life. That history could only be written after a careful search through the libraries of Italy for all documents relating to the years during which he worked. I have no time for such search, or even for the examination of well known and published materials; and have therefore merely collected, from the sources nearest at hand, such information as appeared absolutely necessary to render the series of Plates now published by the Arundel Society intelligible and interesting to those among its Members who have not devoted much time to the examination of mediæval works. I have prefixed a few remarks on the relation of the art of Giotto to former and subsequent efforts; which I hope may be useful in preventing the general reader from either looking for what the painter never intended to give, or missing the points to which his endeavours were really directed... Continue reading book >>