Comparing Vanni's Madonna And Child Enthroned

Gothicism was an art form that began to form after the collapse of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. and came to its pinnacle approximately 1000 years after the fact during the Middle Ages. It was then that it began to be recognized as its own era and own art form. The term ‘Gothic’ encompassed a new style of European architecture, sculpture, and art that was differentiated from Roman and Renaissance, but still was the link between the two and was essential to the ushering in of a new age and new mindset. Vanni’s “Madonna and Child Enthroned” is a classic representation of the time period that left behind Greco-Roman traditional conventions and transitioned the art world into its rebirth.

Differentiating components of the Middle Ages can be compressed

These two components changed the way people looked at everyday life and, therefore, also changed the art, which is reflective of the time. The spread of the belief in Christ starts to materialize itself during the Middle Ages, the main focus being the Passion of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other saints supporting New Testament themes. Once Christianity was introduced, Gothicism was utilized as a form of Christian art, as can be see in its flourishing nature in Cathedrals and churches throughout Europe. Images did not retain the traditional Greco-Roman beautiful depictions, but strayed towards more Christian, and at that time derogatory, portrayals. It also separated itself from Greco-Roman norms by abandoning polytheism and adopting the newfound Christian mindset of the coming age of the Renaissance and monotheism. Lastly, the epidemic of the Bubonic Plague, or Black Death, is a major hallmark of the Middle Age and Gothic time period. In a time of hardship and despair, the people of Europe did not shy away from religion but, instead, embraced it. Depictions of Christ and hopeful images of religion inspired the public and were used as the foundation of the early

There is very limited perspective, the use of a golden background to imply a heavenly realm, and a stable composition and scale. One way this painting differs from Cimabue and Vanni is that the facial features completely abandoned the Greek stylized manner of perfection. There is an obvious difference in mass and the structure of the Madonna. The painting is more relaxed and the presentation of gravity can be seen in the allowance of the drapery surrounding Madonna to fall lightly. The artist shifts from drawing harsh lines to creating more flowing lines that are natural. The colors used are complimentary and there is more employment of light and shadow than previously seen. By utilizing flowing and curving lines along with detail and decoration, the painting perfectly shows the composition becoming more complex as the Gothic age of art moved forward. Along with obtaining a more complex way of painting, Giotto makes his image a more believable and tender story. It can also be seen that Madonna is not pointing as she is in Cimabue’s depiction, but is more emotional and placing her hand on her son’s knee. This is also one of the first Gothic era paintings that shows some depth. Though perspective is not greatly employed, the steps to the throne show some spatial complexity. Later in the Renaissance, perspective and lighting will become essential to