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Arena (Scrovegni) ChapelArena (Scrovegni) Chapel © Alfredo Dagli Ort/The Art Archive at Art Resource, NY

Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel

Padua, Italy. Unknown architect; Giotto di Bondone (artist). Chapel: c. 1303 C.E.; Fresco: c. 1305. Brick (architecture) and fresco.

Curator Note

"The dawn of the Renaissance. Enrico Scrovegni, a banker, commissioned this chapel to atone for his sin of usury. Giotto’s frescoes inside revolutionize art by introducing emotional realism, depth (shading), and human drama. The "Lamentation" scene is a masterclass in composition and grief."

Form

  • Fresco cycle covering the entire interior.
  • Barrel-vaulted simple room.
  • Giotto uses modeling (chiaroscuro) to give figures weight.
  • Foreshortening and perspective attempts.
  • Blue star-studded ceiling.

Function

  • Private family chapel.
  • To expiate the sin of usury (charging interest).
  • To tell the story of Mary and Christ.
  • To guarantee salvation for Scrovegni.
  • To display wealth and piety.

Content

  • Lamentation: Grief-stricken followers mourning Christ.
  • Last Judgment: Scrovegni offering the chapel to Mary.
  • Kiss of Judas: Intense confrontation.
  • Angels in the sky writhing in agony.
  • Jonah and the Whale decorative borders.

Context

  • Giotto is considered the first Renaissance painter.
  • Built near an ancient Roman arena.
  • Dante placed Scrovegni's father in Hell for usury.
  • Shift from Byzantine stylization to observation of nature.
  • Humanism: focus on human emotion.