Chapter 19 Study Guide Questions
1. The Renaissance began in Italy, in part, due to the unique political and economic conditions.
Briefly describe those conditions.
2. Briefly describe the impact of the Black Death on Europe.
3. How do you think the events of the Great Schism impacted Europeans?
4. Explain the essential tenets of humanism and how the humanists sought to revive an interest in
classical heritage and virtues.
5. What are the characteristics of the maniera greca that firmly the Saint Francis Altarpiece within
the medieval tradition? What sources might the artist have consulted for inspiration?
6. How does the Saint Francis Altarpiece promote important aspects of the life of Saint Francis and
the Franciscan order of monks?
7. Which features of the pulpit of Pisa Cathedral baptistery were drawn from classical sources?
8. Compare Giovanni Pisano’s The Annunciation and the Nativity from the pulpit of Sant’Andrea
with the same scene of his father’s from the pulpit of Pisa Cathedral baptistery.
9. How does Pietro Cavallini achieve solidity in his forms that is not seen in those influenced by
Byzantine figures?
10. In what ways does Cimabue move “beyond the limits of the Italo-Byzantine style” in his
Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Prophets?
11. What was the major contribution of Giotto? Explain why this was revolutionary.
12. How is Giotto’s pictorial revolution seen in his Madonna Enthroned?
13. Briefly explain the construction history of the Arena Chapel.
14. Explain the organization of scenes in the Arena Chapel.
15. How does Giotto created a scene of a variety of expressions of grief in the Lamentation?
16. How does Giotto acknowledge the viewer and direct his/her attention in the Lamentation?
17. What is chiaroscuro and explain how Giotto uses it in the Lamentation?
18. Explain the significance of the Virgin Mary for the city of Siena.
19. What elements (now lost) were originally part of the Maesta Altarpiece?
20. Which elements of the Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints from the Maesta Altarpiece are
adopted from the Byzantine tradition and which elements show a relaxation of Byzantine
formality? Why does Duccio not experiment or push the limits with this altarpiece?
21. How are the figures on the back of the Maesta Altarpiece, such as those from the Betrayal of
Jesus, show a more dramatic rejection of Byzantine formality?
22. What are the distinguishing features of the International Style as formed by artists such as
Simone Martini?
23. How do the postures in Martini’s Annunciation reinform appropriate courtly behavior?
24. How does Pietro Lorenzetti create the illusion that a wall has been removed allowing viewers to
observe the scene from The Birth of the Virgin?
25. What is the function of the Palazzo Pubblico and how is the structure designed for defense?
26. What is the essential message for the leaders of Siena in scenes from the Effects of Good
Government in the City and in the Country?
27. How is the Florence Cathedral ornamented in the “old Tuscan fashion?”
28. Compare the Florence Cathedral with its contemporary, Cologne Cathedral. How is the Florence
Cathedral so drastically different from the French and German Gothic cathedrals?
29. How is Giotto’s campanile reminiscent of the Romanesque style but also a precursor to the
Renaissance?
30. How does the nave of the Florence Cathedral emphasis the horizontal nature of the building?
31. Explain the original design and function of Or San Michele and how it was altered.
32. For what purpose was the tabernacle constructed?
33. How is the tabernacle an example of Cosmato work?