by Tom Gurney
Tom Gurney BSc (Hons) is an art history expert with over 20 years experience
Email: tomgurney1@gmail.com / Phone: +44 7429 011000
Christ before Annas and Caiaphas: Introduction
A raised palm, an opened robe and a face turned towards us organise Giotto's Christ before Annas and Caiaphas. On the left, soldiers surround Jesus; on the right, Caiaphas pulls his green garment apart across his chest. Between these actions Christ stands with his hands close together before his body, his head turned away from the seated men. His eyes remain unusually prominent. The scene holds together through the distance between a threatened face and the hand preparing to strike it.
This fresco belongs to the Passion sequence in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Padova Musei calls it Cristo davanti ad Anna e Caifa, and catalogues it as approximately 200 by 200 centimetres, on the south, or right-hand, wall, in the lower narrative register, second compartment from the right. [1] It forms part of the chapel's great cycle generally dated to 1303–05. [2] Its compact room contains several different kinds of confrontation: interrogation, physical custody, an accusation expressed through clothing, and impending violence. Understanding the two names in its title helps explain why these actions appear together.
At a Glance
- SettingThe Passion sequence in the Scrovegni Chapel, Padua. [1] [2]
- Municipal titleCristo davanti ad Anna e Caifa, Christ before Annas and Caiaphas. [1] [2]
- FormatApproximately 200 × 200 cm, lower register of the south wall. [1] [2]
This work across Giotto’s career
Santa Maria Novella Crucifix
Late 13th century; c.1288–89 or 1298–1301; disputed; track: c.1288–89 [3]Life of Saint Francis — Upper Church cycle, Assisi
Traditionally Giotto; late 13th–early 14th century; authorship and date disputed; track: c.1290–95 convention [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]Ognissanti Madonna
c.1300–05 (Uffizi); c.1310 also proposed; track: c.1300–05 [9]Scrovegni Chapel — painted decoration
c.1303–05 (chapel campaign); Giotto and workshop (painted decoration) [10] [11] [12]Christ before Annas and Caiaphas — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua (current article)
c.1303–05 (chapel campaign); Giotto and workshop [13] [10]Madonna and Child — Washington / Goldman Madonna
c.1310–1315 (National Gallery of Art) [14]Stefaneschi Triptych
c.1320; 1315–20 (Vatican Museums); Giotto and workshop [15]Bardi Chapel — painted decoration
After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed; Giotto and workshop / Giottesque painters; individual hands disputed [16] [17]Baroncelli Polyptych
After 1328; completion uncertain; band continues to axis edge; Giotto and workshop [18]Giotto’s Campanile — Florence Cathedral bell tower
Giotto’s phase 1334–37; completed 1359 by successors [19] [20] [21]Contents
- Why Annas and Caiaphas appear in the title
- A room with weight above the figures
- The captive among the soldiers
- Caiaphas and the torn garment
- Christ's eyes and the approaching blow
- From capture to humiliation
Why Annas and Caiaphas appear in the title
The Gospel accounts arrange the questioning of Jesus differently. In Matthew, those who have arrested him take him to Caiaphas, where scribes and elders are assembled. The proceedings turn on testimony about the Temple and a question about whether Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus' answer invokes the Son of Man seated beside divine power and coming on the clouds. Caiaphas then tears his clothes, declares that blasphemy has been spoken, and asks for a judgment. The account proceeds to spitting, blows and taunts. The torn garment in Giotto's painting has a precise narrative anchor in Matthew 26:65. [22]
John first takes Jesus to Annas, identified as the father-in-law of Caiaphas. The questioning concerns Jesus' disciples and teaching. Jesus answers by referring to the openness of his teaching and to those who heard him; an officer strikes him for the manner of his reply. Jesus challenges the blow, asking for evidence of any wrong he has spoken. John then records Annas sending him, still bound, to Caiaphas. This questioning, the officer's intervention and the transfer belong to John 18:13–24. John does not place Caiaphas' tearing of his garment in this passage. [23]
The conventional double title allows a viewer to recognise motifs associated with both accounts. It need not mean that every painted action occurred simultaneously in one Gospel, or that two clearly labelled priestly portraits stand before us. Caiaphas can be identified by the garment-tearing gesture. The adjacent seated, bearded man is harder to name securely from appearance alone. Calling him Annas merely because the title contains two names would turn a useful title into evidence it cannot supply.
Giotto gives these narrative elements a single pictorial setting. The guard's lifted hand and Caiaphas' opened clothing make the confrontation legible through bodies and gestures. Yet the texts enrich what the picture can suggest: the open hand becomes a threat to someone who has answered a question; the torn robe becomes a public declaration about the answer. The fresco gathers those relationships into one room while leaving the different Gospel narratives distinguishable.
A room with weight above the figures
The architecture occupies an exceptionally large part of the composition. A heavy timber ceiling projects over the assembly. Beams recede towards the rear, and shaped supports mark their junction with the walls. Below them, two broad arched windows on the back wall have brown wooden shutters. A narrower opening appears on the left wall. Pale pink walls, a darker horizontal band and the long ceiling give this gathering a substantial enclosure.
The heads cluster well below the ceiling. This leaves an expanse of almost unoccupied wall above the busy line of faces, shoulders and hands. Giotto does not fill the room with every possible furnishing or spectator. A raised wooden seat with a tall back establishes the officials' side of the space; the soldiers, overlapping on the left, establish the captive's. The floor between and beneath them remains sufficiently visible to make their different positions readable.
Michael Viktor Schwarz singles out this hall in his discussion of Giotto's architectural invention. He describes the wide, stage-like interior, shuttered arched windows and heavy ceiling as a particularly convincing setting for its action. At the same time, he draws attention to the ornamental marble-like frame through which the room opens towards the viewer. That frame belongs to the painting's means of presentation rather than to the business of the interrogation. [24]
This observation helps explain the fresco's combination of enclosure and accessibility. We can inspect the room with unusual ease because its near side has been opened for us. The pale architectural surround creates a threshold across which the figures do not step. Giotto gives the assembly a coherent place to occupy while making its most consequential gestures available from outside it. The room therefore works both as the location of the story and as a carefully measured display of its participants.
The furniture also directs the encounter. Caiaphas sits high on the right, his green garment spreading broadly across the seat. The projecting steps carry his position forward towards the picture's lower edge. Christ stands on the floor at the left of centre. The difference in elevation makes authority visible before any gesture is interpreted: one figure occupies an official seat, while another has been brought before it under guard.
The captive among the soldiers
Christ's clothing still supplies large, distinct shapes despite substantial wear. A rose-coloured tunic appears around his chest and at his feet; a blue mantle crosses his body, with extensive interruptions in its painted surface. The surviving gold-coloured edging helps trace the garment across those losses. His cruciform halo separates his head from the closely packed faces around it and gives his turned face a clear circular setting.
His hands are gathered low before his body. Fine crossing lines at the wrists are consistent with the narrative of binding, although overlapping hands and worn paint make a precise account of every cord or restraining grip unhelpful. The larger arrangement is clear: his arms remain close to his body, and soldiers occupy the space immediately beside and behind him. He has little room in which to move.
The soldier in red presses close on Christ's left, his helmeted head turned towards the right-hand group. An open palm rises above the heads farther left. On Christ's other side, a soldier's patterned green and gold clothing forms a dense vertical strip between the captive and the assembly. The crowded bodies make the escort physically present without requiring the viewer to work out a separate action for every arm. Padova Musei identifies the left-hand soldier's impending slap as one of the scene's principal gestures. [1]
The gold ornament and strong colours of the military dress matter to the visual balance. Custody is represented by conspicuous, substantial bodies. Christ's mantle forms a longer, quieter sweep among them, descending almost to the floor. His head turns out from the sideways movement of the group, and his body seems to yield slightly at the shoulders. These small adjustments bring the vulnerability of a standing prisoner into view without the expansive gesture given to the seated priest.
It is possible to follow the direction of several faces, but their roles remain broader than individual biographies. A grey-bearded man stands at the far left; other heads emerge behind the soldiers. Their presence thickens the escort and makes the arrival feel attended. Neither the biblical narrative nor the painted surface supplies a reliable name for each of them. Their visual work lies in the pressure of the group and in the contrast between the captive's exposed face and the bodies around it.
Caiaphas and the torn garment
Caiaphas' gesture is strikingly concrete. His hands grip opposite edges of the green garment and pull them apart, exposing his chest. The opening gives the action a visible result. Without it, the hands might resemble a speaker's broad movement; with it, the garment itself records the force being applied.
His body turns towards Christ, while his elbows and hands spread the action across his upper torso. The green fabric continues down over his knees in broad folds, so that the exposed chest becomes a sudden interruption within a large clothed figure. Gold-coloured ornament at the neck and cuffs adds to the distinction of his dress. A bodily declaration takes place within the signs of office and ceremony.
Matthew makes the tearing of clothing the response to Jesus' answer and the prelude to a judgment. Giotto turns that sequence into an emphatic visual statement. The gesture allows the charge against Christ to be understood as an action performed before others: Caiaphas exposes his chest to the assembly while holding the torn edges for them to see. The painting does not give us the words of every participant, but it gives this response a firm physical form. [22]
Beside him, the other seated man extends an open hand into the space between the groups. His arm produces a horizontal connection across the composition, while Caiaphas' hands pull in opposite directions. A standing man in a plain brown garment occupies the interval between the elaborately dressed soldier and the seated officials. His comparatively simple clothing provides a pause among the richer patterns, and his inclined head helps carry attention towards the right.
These gestures differ in scale and function. One hand reaches towards an interlocutor; two hands pull at clothing; another palm prepares a blow. Their meaning depends on where they occur and on the bodies attached to them. Giotto makes the encounter intelligible through those differences, allowing questioning, accusation and coercion to remain distinct within the same crowded band of figures.
Christ's eyes and the approaching blow
Christ's face breaks the flow of the interrogation. The officials address a prisoner standing to their left, and most nearby heads belong to that sideways encounter. Christ turns his face outward and back over his shoulder. Both eyes can be seen. The turn opens a relationship with the space in front of the fresco, even though his body remains caught within the escort.
Schwarz places this feature at the centre of his reading. He contrasts the turbulence of the surrounding gestures with Christ's relative composure and emphasises the unusually large eyes and outward-facing head. He also traces the robe-tearing and raised striking hand through earlier Tuscan painting, with some motifs reaching back to Byzantine models. These were already established ways of representing the encounter. Schwarz locates the special force of Giotto's scene in their relationship to Christ's face and gaze. [25]
His interpretation extends beyond the compartment. In Matthew's account, Christ's answer refers to the coming of the Son of Man; Schwarz proposes that the backward glance may connect with the image of Christ in the Last Judgment on the chapel's entrance wall. This would give the present interrogation a relationship to the future judgment announced in Christ's words. Schwarz presents that directional and theological connection as a reading of the painting, and it remains more specific than the directly visible fact of Christ's turned head. [25]
The proposal gives added weight to a reversal already implicit in the Christian narrative. The prisoner being questioned speaks of a future in which the Son of Man appears in divine power. The immense difference between his constrained position here and that future appearance can be carried by a slight movement of the head. The chapel's wider programme supplies a setting in which such an association can develop.
Schwarz also brings attention back to the immediate danger: the face that holds the viewer's attention is about to receive the officer's blow. His reading draws attention to a precise relationship within the fresco; individual spectators may follow it differently. The open palm and Christ's exposed face remain separated. The eye can travel between them, anticipating a contact the painting does not complete. Time is concentrated in that narrow interval.
From capture to humiliation
Within the lower register, this encounter follows the Arrest of Christ and precedes the Mocking of Christ and Flagellation. The sequence carries the Passion from seizure into questioning and then into further bodily humiliation. Here the formal setting is still prominent: a room, a seat of authority, an assembly and gestures that concern testimony and accusation. Violence enters that setting through the raised striking hand.
The fresco can therefore be understood independently while retaining a precise place in the larger story. The torn robe identifies a particular response to Christ's claim; the escort establishes his condition as a captive; the face turned outward makes his presence more difficult to absorb into the activity of the officials. These details keep the scene distinct from a general image of Christ being mocked.
Its Christian interpretation also requires attention to the historical character of the representation. Giotto stages a medieval Christian account of Jesus' Passion. The hostile figures and emphatic faces belong to that visual and devotional construction. They cannot establish the appearance or moral character of a people, and the scene provides no basis for assigning collective guilt to Jewish communities. Reading the painting closely means attending to the actions assigned to particular figures and to the Gospel traditions it combines.
The material surface asks for similar care. Interrupted blue passages and worn details affect what can now be seen; the painting's present appearance has a history. The chapel underwent a general conservation campaign in 2001–02 and has continued to receive monitoring and maintenance. That institutional history does not identify the cause or treatment of each mark in this individual compartment. [26] The surviving forms nevertheless preserve the scene's essential relationships with remarkable clarity: the heavy room above, the assembly below, a robe pulled open, a hand suspended and a face turned towards the space we occupy.
Christ Mocked in Padua, a separate later compartment in the Passion sequence.
Watch: Explore Giotto’s Art
Choose an overview or a closer look at three major works. These films provide wider Giotto context alongside this article.
Artworks directory
This directory brings together 209 records for paintings, ensembles, individual scenes and components, architectural work, an associated disputed design, and reported or lost projects connected with Giotto. Ensembles and their parts appear separately, so 209 is a count of records rather than independent paintings or commissions. Attributions and dates remain qualified where disputed; inclusion does not establish Giotto’s own hand throughout.
| Name | Date | Medium, attribution and status |
|---|---|---|
| Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Joachim among the Shepherds — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Annunciation to Saint Anne — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Sacrifice of Joachim — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Joachim’s Dream — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Meeting at the Golden Gate — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Birth of the Virgin — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Delivery of the Rods — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Prayer of Joseph and the Suitors — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Marriage of the Virgin — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Wedding Procession of Mary — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Annunciation on the triumphal arch — complete ensemble (Scrovegni Chapel, Padua) | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Wall painting with a central painted wooden panel. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Includes the Mission of Gabriel and the lower Annunciation pair; the original central wooden panel is in the Musei Civici agli Eremitani, with a conservation copy in the chapel. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. Chapel overview. |
| Visitation — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Nativity — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Adoration of the Magi — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Presentation of Christ at the Temple — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Flight into Egypt — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Massacre of the Innocents — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Christ among the Doctors — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Baptism of Christ — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Marriage at Cana — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Raising of Lazarus — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Entry into Jerusalem — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Expulsion of the Money Changers — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Judas Receiving the Payment — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Last Supper — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Washing of the Feet — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Arrest of Christ — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Christ before Annas and Caiaphas — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Mocking of Christ and Flagellation — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Road to Calvary — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Crucifixion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Lamentation — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Resurrection / Noli me tangere — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Ascension — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Pentecost — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Coretto — right painted recess (Scrovegni Chapel, Padua) | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / painted fictive architecture. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. Chapel overview. |
| Coretto — left painted recess (Scrovegni Chapel, Padua) | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / painted fictive architecture. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. Chapel overview. |
| Envy — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Despair — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Prudence — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Fortitude — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Temperance — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Justice — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Faith — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Charity — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Hope — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Folly — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Inconstancy — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Wrath — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Injustice — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Infidelity / Idolatry — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Starry vault — complete ensemble (Scrovegni Chapel, Padua) | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Vault painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. |
| Last Judgement — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Prophet Malachi — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Prophet Baruch — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Prophet Isaiah — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Prophet Daniel — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Christ Pantocrator — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Virgin and Child — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Prophet Ezekiel — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Prophet Micah — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Saint John the Baptist — vault medallion — Scrovegni Chapel, Padua | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. |
| Scrovegni Chapel — painted decoration | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting, with a painted wooden panel. Giotto and workshop (painted decoration). Ensemble. Includes separately listed scenes and components. The original central God the Father panel is in the Musei Civici agli Eremitani; a conservation copy is in the chapel. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Source. Source. Source. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. |
| Vices and Virtues — complete fourteen-figure programme | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Grisaille fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Fourteen figures: seven virtues and seven opposed vices. Padova Musei. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. |
| Coretti — paired fictive chapels | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / painted fictive architecture. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Two separate painted recesses, also listed individually. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. |
| Mission of Gabriel — heavenly assembly | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Wall painting with central painted wooden image. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Central wooden God the Father panel preserved at the Musei Civici agli Eremitani; conservation copy in the chapel. Chapel overview. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| Annunciation — Gabriel and Mary in facing chambers | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Chapel overview. Scholarly study. Padova Musei. |
| God the Father — central wooden panel of the Mission of Gabriel | c.1303–05 (chapel campaign) | Painting on wood. Associated with Giotto. Ensemble component. Original at the Musei Civici agli Eremitani, Padua; conservation copy in the Scrovegni Chapel. Padova Musei. Padova Musei. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Life of Saint Francis — Upper Church cycle, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Fresco / wall-painting cycle. Traditionally associated with Giotto; Giotto, Roman-school and other attributions disputed. Ensemble. Twenty-eight-scene nave cycle; scenes also listed individually. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Basilica catalogue. Source. Source. |
| Homage of a Simple Man — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Gift of the Mantle — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Dream of the Palace Full of Arms — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Prayer before the Crucifix at San Damiano — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Renunciation of Worldly Goods — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Dream of Innocent III — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Confirmation of the Rule — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Vision of the Flaming Chariot — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Vision of the Thrones — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Expulsion of Devils from Arezzo — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Trial by Fire before the Sultan — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Ecstasy of Saint Francis — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Nativity at Greccio — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Miracle of the Spring — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Sermon to the Birds — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Death of the Knight of Celano — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Sermon before Pope Honorius III — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Apparition at the Chapter of Arles — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Stigmatisation — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Death and Ascension of Saint Francis — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Apparition to Brother Augustine and Bishop Guido — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Verification of the Stigmata — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Mourning of the Poor Clares — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Canonisation of Saint Francis — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Apparition to Pope Gregory IX — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Healing of John of Lerida — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Resurrection of a Woman — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Liberation of the Prisoner Peter — Upper Church, Assisi | Late 13th–early 14th century; dating disputed | Wall painting. Traditionally associated with Giotto; authorship and dating disputed. Scene within a cycle. Source. Source. Scholarly study. Source. Source. Source. |
| Santa Maria Novella Crucifix | Late 13th century; c.1288–89 or 1298–1301; disputed | Tempera and gold on a shaped wooden cross. Giotto. Source. |
| Death of the Virgin / Dormition — Berlin | c.1310 | Tempera and gold on poplar; gabled dossal. Giotto. Source. Source. |
| Peruzzi Altarpiece | c.1311–1315 (North Carolina Museum of Art) | Tempera and gold on panel. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Source. |
| Bologna Polyptych | c.1330 | Tempera and gold on panel. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Source. |
| Death of Saint Francis, Bardi Chapel | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting with wet-plaster and dry-applied passages. Giotto. Scene within a cycle. Source. |
| Bardi Chapel — painted decoration | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting with wet-plaster and dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop / Giottesque painters; individual hands disputed. Ensemble. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Badia Polyptych | c.1300; proposed dates include 1295–1300 and 1301–02 | Tempera and gold on panel; five cusped compartments. Giotto. Ensemble. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Baroncelli Polyptych | After 1328; detached pinnacle c.1328–35 | Tempera and gold on panel; later altered framing. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Detached central pinnacle in San Diego. Santa Croce. |
| Adoration of the Magi / Epiphany — Metropolitan Museum panel | Possibly c.1320; c.1310–18 also proposed for the group | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto. Part of the dispersed seven-scene board; original function disputed. Met catalogue. Source. |
| Franciscan Allegories | Early 14th century, often c.1315; disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto and workshop / Giottesque painters; individual hands disputed. Ensemble. Basilica catalogue. |
| Navicella — lost / reworked original mosaic | Late 13th–early 14th century; date disputed | Mosaic. Original attributed to Giotto. Original lost / reworked; fragments and later remakes survive. Scholarly study. |
| Pentecost — London panel | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon) | Egg tempera on poplar. Giotto and workshop. Part of the dispersed seven-scene board; original function disputed. National Gallery. Source. |
| Saint Stephen — Horne panel | c.1330–1335 (Museo Horne) | Tempera and gold on panel. Giotto. Proposed association with the Washington and Chaalis panels remains hypothetical. Source. |
| Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata — Louvre altarpiece | 1300–25 (Louvre) | Tempera and gold on poplar. Giotto. Louvre catalogue. |
| Stefaneschi Triptych | c.1320; 1315–20 (Vatican Museums) | Tempera and gold on panel; painted on both sides. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble. Vatican Museums. |
| Crucifixion, Berlin | c.1315–1320 | Tempera and gold on poplar. Giotto. Source. |
| Madonna and Child — Washington / Goldman Madonna | c.1310–1315 (National Gallery of Art) | Tempera and gold on poplar. Giotto. Washington panel, distinct from San Giorgio alla Costa; proposed Horne/Chaalis companions remain hypothetical. NGA catalogue. |
| Ognissanti Madonna | c.1300–05 (Uffizi); c.1310 also proposed | Tempera and gold on panel. Giotto. Uffizi. |
| Madonna of Borgo San Lorenzo | c.1290–95; dating and attribution debated | Tempera and gold on a fragment of a wooden panel. Giotto. Fragmentary. Source. |
| Madonna of San Giorgio alla Costa | c.1288–95 (Opera del Duomo); later dates also proposed | Tempera and gold on panel; cut edges. Giotto. Damaged in 1993 and treated in 1995. Source. |
| Magdalene Chapel — painted decoration | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Wall painting with wet-plaster and dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop / Giottesque painters; individual hands disputed. Ensemble. Basilica catalogue. |
| Ognissanti Crucifix | c.1315–1320 (Opificio) | Painting on a shaped wooden cross. Giotto and workshop. Workshop participation and alternative attributions debated. Source. |
| Padua Crucifix | c.1303–05 (Zeri catalogue) | Tempera and gold on a shaped wooden cross. Giotto. Zeri catalogue. |
| Peruzzi Chapel — painted decoration | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work and loss. Giotto and workshop / Giottesque painters; individual hands disputed. Ensemble. Santa Croce. |
| Rimini Crucifix | c.1300; late 13th century also proposed | Tempera and gold on a shaped wooden cross. Giotto. Source. |
| Giotto’s Campanile — Florence Cathedral bell tower | Begun 1334; completed 1359 under successors | Marble-clad masonry bell tower. Begun under Giotto; continued by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti. Successive building and sculptural campaigns. Source. Scholarly study. Scholarly study. |
| Tower elevation on parchment, Siena — disputed relation to Giotto | 14th century; date and design context disputed | Brown ink and coloured washes over incised construction on three parchment skins. Attribution disputed; possibly a Giotto design transmitted through another hand. Associated design; autograph attribution unestablished. Alternative attributions include Lando di Pietro. Scholarly study. Source. Source. |
| Seven scenes of Christ — dispersed painted board | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon); component dates vary | Tempera and gold on a single wooden board, subsequently divided. Giotto and workshop; individual attributions vary. Reconstructed dispersed ensemble. Common board supported by matching wood grain; predella or dossal function disputed. Source. Source. |
| Presentation of Christ at the Temple — Boston panel | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon’s group dating) | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto and workshop; individual attribution varies within the group. Ensemble component. Source. Source. |
| Last Supper — Munich panel | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon’s group dating) | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto and workshop; individual attribution varies within the group. Ensemble component. Source. Source. Source. |
| Crucifixion — Munich panel | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon’s group dating) | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto and workshop; individual attribution varies within the group. Ensemble component. Source. Source. Source. |
| Descent into Limbo — Munich panel | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon’s group dating) | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto and workshop; individual attribution varies within the group. Ensemble component. Source. Source. Source. |
| Entombment — Villa I Tatti panel | Possibly c.1310–18 (Gordon’s group dating) | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto and workshop; individual attribution varies within the group. Ensemble component. Source. Source. |
| God the Father with Angels — detached Baroncelli pinnacle | c.1328–1335 (San Diego Museum of Art) | Tempera and gold on wood. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Detached in later remodelling; collection home in San Diego. Source. Source. |
| Saint John the Evangelist — Chaalis panel | c.1320 (INHA/RETIF) | Painting on wood. Giotto (INHA/RETIF attribution). Collection: Musée Jacquemart-André, Fontaine-Chaalis. Chantilly’s exhibition announcement, as of 1 November 2026, gives temporary display from 24 January 2026 with no end date. Association with the Washington/Horne altarpiece remains hypothetical. NGA catalogue. Source. Source. Source. Source. |
| Saint Lawrence — Chaalis panel | c.1320 (INHA/RETIF) | Painting on poplar. Giotto; possible execution by a collaborator (INHA/RETIF). Collection: Musée Jacquemart-André, Fontaine-Chaalis. Chantilly’s exhibition announcement, as of 1 November 2026, gives temporary display from 24 January 2026 with no end date. Association with the Washington/Horne altarpiece remains hypothetical. NGA catalogue. Source. Source. Source. Source. |
| Allegory of Poverty — Lower Church crossing vault, Assisi | Early 14th century, often c.1315; disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto’s workshop / Giottesque painters; alternatives include Stefano. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Allegory of Chastity — Lower Church crossing vault, Assisi | Early 14th century, often c.1315; disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto’s workshop / Giottesque painters; alternatives include Stefano. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Allegory of Obedience — Lower Church crossing vault, Assisi | Early 14th century, often c.1315; disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto’s workshop / Giottesque painters; alternatives include Stefano. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Saint Francis in Glory — Lower Church crossing vault, Assisi | Early 14th century, often c.1315; disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto’s workshop / Giottesque painters; alternatives include Stefano. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Renunciation of Worldly Goods — Bardi Chapel, Florence | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting: fresco with extensive dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop; individual hands uncertain. Scene within a cycle. Source. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Confirmation of the Rule — Bardi Chapel, Florence | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting: fresco with extensive dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop; individual hands uncertain. Scene within a cycle. Source. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Apparition at the Chapter of Arles — Bardi Chapel, Florence | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting: fresco with extensive dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop; individual hands uncertain. Scene within a cycle. Source. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Trial by Fire before the Sultan — Bardi Chapel, Florence | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting: fresco with extensive dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop; individual hands uncertain. Scene within a cycle. Source. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Apparitions to Brother Augustine and Bishop Guido — Bardi Chapel, Florence | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting: fresco with extensive dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop; individual hands uncertain. Scene within a cycle. Source. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata — Bardi Chapel, Florence | After 1317, usually the 1320s; disputed | Wall painting: fresco with extensive dry-applied passages. Giotto and workshop; individual hands uncertain. Scene within a cycle. Source. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Saint Louis of Toulouse — Bardi Chapel niche | After 1317; campaign date disputed | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Saint Clare — Bardi Chapel niche | After 1317; campaign date disputed | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Saint Elizabeth of Hungary — Bardi Chapel niche | After 1317; campaign date disputed | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Franciscan virtues — Bardi Chapel vault programme | After 1317; campaign date disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Group of ensemble components. Santa Croce. Source. |
| Annunciation to Zacharias — Peruzzi Chapel, Florence | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Santa Croce. |
| Birth and Naming of John the Baptist — Peruzzi Chapel, Florence | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Santa Croce. |
| Feast of Herod — Peruzzi Chapel, Florence | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Santa Croce. |
| Vision of John on Patmos — Peruzzi Chapel, Florence | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Santa Croce. |
| Raising of Drusiana — Peruzzi Chapel, Florence | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Santa Croce. |
| Death and Ascension of John the Evangelist — Peruzzi Chapel, Florence | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting with substantial dry-applied work. Giotto and workshop. Scene within a cycle. Santa Croce. Scholarly study. Santa Croce. |
| Evangelist symbols — Peruzzi Chapel vault | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Group of ensemble components. Santa Croce. |
| Eight prophets — Peruzzi Chapel entrance arch | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Group of ensemble components. Santa Croce. |
| Mystic Lamb — Peruzzi Chapel fragment | c.1310–11 (Santa Croce); 1334–36 proposed by Schwarz | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component; fragmentary. Santa Croce. |
| Meal in the Pharisee’s House — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Raising of Lazarus — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Noli me tangere — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Miracle of the Ruler of Marseille — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Angelic Elevation of Mary Magdalene — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Mary Magdalene Clothed by a Hermit — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Last Communion and Ascent of the Magdalene’s Soul — Magdalene Chapel, Assisi | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; individual hands debated. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Christ — Magdalene Chapel vault medallion | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Mary Magdalene — Magdalene Chapel vault medallion | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Martha — Magdalene Chapel vault medallion | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Lazarus — Magdalene Chapel vault medallion | c.1307–08 (basilica); disputed | Vault wall painting. Giotto and workshop. Ensemble component. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Teobaldo Pontano before Saint Rufinus — Magdalene Chapel donor image | c.1307–08 (chapel campaign) | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop; donor identified by Schwarz. Ensemble component. Scholarly study. |
| Teobaldo Pontano before Mary Magdalene — Magdalene Chapel donor image | c.1307–08 (chapel campaign) | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop; donor identified by Schwarz. Ensemble component. Scholarly study. |
| Penitential saints — Magdalene Chapel entrance programme | Early 14th century; associated with the c.1307–08 campaign | Wall painting. Giotto and workshop / associated chapel programme. Group of ensemble components. Scholarly study. |
| Life of Mary Magdalene — stained-glass window | Early 14th century; exact date uncertain | Stained glass. Associated chapel programme; designer and maker uncertain. Associated programme. Eleven-episode stained-glass window, distinct from the wall paintings. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Childhood of Christ and Franciscan miracles — Lower Church north transept | Early 14th century, often c.1315; disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto and workshop; Stefano proposed by Schwarz; individual hands disputed. Ensemble. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Flight into Egypt — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop / Giottesque painters; Stefano proposed by Schwarz. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Zeri catalogue. |
| Adoration of the Magi — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop / Giottesque painters; Stefano proposed by Schwarz. Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. Source. Zeri catalogue. |
| Angel medallion from the Navicella — Vatican | Late 13th–early 14th-century original; later restoration | Mosaic. Associated with Giotto’s Navicella; medieval material and later restoration. Fragmentary and restored. Scholarly study. |
| Angel medallion from the Navicella — Boville Ernica | Late 13th–early 14th-century original; later restoration | Mosaic. Associated with Giotto’s Navicella; medieval material and later restoration. Fragmentary and restored. Scholarly study. |
| Dream of Innocent III — Louvre Stigmatisation predella | 1300–25 (Louvre’s dating of the altarpiece) | Tempera and gold on wood. Part of the signed Giotto altarpiece; individual hand uncertain. Ensemble component. Louvre catalogue. Louvre catalogue. |
| Approval of the Rule — Louvre Stigmatisation predella | 1300–25 (Louvre’s dating of the altarpiece) | Tempera and gold on wood. Part of the signed Giotto altarpiece; individual hand uncertain. Ensemble component. Louvre catalogue. Louvre catalogue. |
| Saint Francis Preaching to the Birds — Louvre Stigmatisation predella | 1300–25 (Louvre’s dating of the altarpiece) | Tempera and gold on wood. Part of the signed Giotto altarpiece; individual hand uncertain. Ensemble component. Louvre catalogue. Louvre catalogue. |
| Possible wall decoration at San Francesco, Rimini — lost | c.1300; exact date uncertain | Possibly fresco / wall painting. Possible association with Giotto. Possible lost commission. Programme and extent unknown. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Works at the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Padua — reported, lost | By c.1313 (reported activity); exact date unknown | Painting; wall or panel support uncertain. Giotto’s activity reported by Riccobaldo. Lost works reported in historical accounts. Scholarly study. Scholarly study. |
| Painted heaven / celestial decoration, Palazzo della Ragione — lost | Early 14th century (Giovanni da Nono’s account) | Painting; wooden-vault tempera or wall fresco disputed. Associated with Giotto in historical accounts. Lost. Wooden-vault interpretation proposed by Schwarz; present astrological murals follow the 1420 fire. Scholarly study. |
| Great chapel decoration, Castel Nuovo — disputed / largely lost | Documented 20 May 1331; Neapolitan service 1328–33 | Wall painting with metal decoration and mixed materials. Giotto-led documented commission. Largely lost; attribution of fragments disputed. Other masters participated; surviving window fragments leave the programme uncertain. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Private chapel decoration, Castel Nuovo — documented, lost | Documented 20 May 1331; execution dates unknown | Wall painting / chapel decoration; technique uncertain. Giotto. Documented commission; lost. Separate from the great chapel; programme unknown. Scholarly study. |
| Royal cona made in Giotto’s house, Naples — documented, lost | Recorded 20 May 1331 | Panel painting (cona); exact technique uncertain. Documented in Giotto’s house. Documented object; lost. Movable panel; subject, dimensions and composition unknown. Scholarly study. |
| Calvary and Lamentation / decoration — Santa Chiara, disputed fragments | Late 1320s–early 1330s; exact date uncertain | Wall painting and painted architectural furnishings. Associated with Giotto and collaborators; individual attributions disputed. Fragmentary programme. Extent of surviving decoration disputed. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Apocalypse paintings, Naples — reported, lost | Undated; associated in later accounts with Naples | Painting; support unknown. Attributed to Giotto in later accounts. Lost works reported in historical accounts. Programme uncertain. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Gloria mondana / Worldly Glory — disputed identification | Undated; proposed Milanese context disputed | Painting; support and format unknown. Association with Giotto and identity disputed. Lost; identity and location disputed. Scholarly study. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Marian cycle, Tosinghi-Spinelli Chapel — lost interior | Undated; reported by Ghiberti and Vasari | Wall painting. Attributed to Giotto by Ghiberti and Vasari. Lost cycle reported in historical accounts. Interior cycle distinct from the damaged entrance Assumption. Scholarly study. Scholarly study. |
| Assumption of the Virgin — Tosinghi-Spinelli entrance, badly preserved | Undated; associated with the Santa Croce decoration | Wall painting. Associated with Giotto in scholarship; attribution uncertain. Badly preserved trace reported in scholarship. Trace distinguished from the lost interior cycle by Schwarz and Theis. Scholarly study. Scholarly study. |
| Apostolic histories, Giugni Chapel — reported, lost | Undated; described by Vasari | Wall painting. Attributed to Giotto by Vasari. Lost cycle reported in historical accounts. Scholarly study. |
| Life of John the Baptist, Santa Maria del Carmine — reported, lost | Undated; attributed by Vasari | Wall painting. Attributed to Giotto by Vasari. Lost cycle reported in historical accounts. Scholarly study. |
| Marian wall decoration — Badia Fiorentina, disputed fragments | Undated; attribution disputed | Wall painting. Association with Giotto disputed. Fragmentary programme. Separate from the Badia Polyptych. Source. Scholarly study. |
| Allegory of the Commune Being Robbed — reported, lost | Undated; reported by Ghiberti | Wall painting / civic allegory. Attributed to Giotto by Ghiberti. Lost work reported in historical accounts. Composition uncertain. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Chapel decoration, Castello di Galliera, Bologna — reported, lost | Before 1334; chapel traces reported in 1560 | Wall painting. Associated with Giotto in historical accounts. Lost cycle reported in historical accounts. The chapel survived the fortress’s 1334 demolition; traces reported in 1560; date of final loss unknown. Scholarly study. Source. |
| Crucifixion — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. |
| Young Man of Sessa Recovered from the Ruins — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Separate scene from the Resurrection of the Young Man of Sessa. Zeri catalogue. Source. |
| Saint Francis Revives a Child Fallen from a Palace Window — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Revival in Zeri’s title; the child’s identity and alternative harmless-fall interpretation remain disputed. Zeri catalogue. |
| Resurrection of the Young Man of Sessa — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Separate scene from the Recovery of the Young Man of Sessa from the Ruins. Zeri catalogue. Source. |
| Saint Francis with Death — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Ensemble component. Zeri catalogue. |
| Visitation — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. |
| Nativity — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. |
| Presentation of Christ at the Temple — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. |
| Massacre of the Innocents — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Zeri catalogue. |
| Return of the Holy Family after the Temple Episode — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; c.1308–11 (Zeri); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giotto’s workshop (Zeri); alternative attributions disputed. Scene within a cycle. Also titled Return to Bethlehem or Return to Nazareth; one physical painting. Zeri catalogue. |
| Annunciation — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | c.1310 (basilica); disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Collaborator of Giotto (basilica attribution). Scene within a cycle. Basilica catalogue. Scholarly study. |
| Christ among the Doctors — Lower Church north transept, Assisi | Early 14th century; disputed | Fresco / wall painting. Giottesque workshop; Stefano proposed by Schwarz. Scene within a cycle. Scholarly study. |
Discussion
Look again at the images and ideas explored in Christ before Annas and Caiaphas. These editorial prompts invite your observations.
Reader Insights
How does the approaching hand affect your attention to Christ’s eyes?
How does Caiaphas’s opened garment make the accusation visible?
Join the Conversation
Share a detail, comparison or question about Christ before Annas and Caiaphas below.
References
- Padova Musei, Cappella degli Scrovegni, Cristo davanti ad Anna e Caifa, institutional object record, undated: title, fresco medium, approximate dimensions, location and identification of the impending slap and Caiaphas' gesture. Full object record. View source.
- Cappella degli Scrovegni, La Cappella di Giotto, official overview, undated, dating the painted cycle to 1303–05. Chapel overview. View source. (in Italian).
- Opera per Santa Maria Novella, “The Crucifix by Giotto,” current church account, undated, accessed 31 October 2026, . Its early dating, colour symbolism and theological interpretation are identified here as the institution's account. View source.
- Basilica Papale di San Francesco in Assisi, “Chiesa Superiore,” institutional description, accessed 1 November 2026, . Building, decorative registers and explicitly competing Giotto/Roman-school attributions. View source. (in Italian).
- Michael Viktor Schwarz, with Michaela Zöschg, Giottus Pictor, vol. II, Giottos Werke (Vienna, Cologne and Weimar: Böhlau, 2008), pp. 331–344, especially pp. 333–334 on programme relationships, 335–337 on campaigns, 338–342 on comparisons and proposed borrowing, and 343–344 on work sequence and the proposed chronology; . Schwarz's reconstruction is presented as his argument. View source. (in German).
- Felice Autieri, OFMConv, “Il Presepe di Greccio nella Basilica superiore,” Basilica Papale di San Francesco in Assisi, accessed 1 November 2026, . Episode identity, institutional dating and discussion of represented liturgical furniture. View source. (in Italian).
- Miklós Boskovits, “Giotto di Bondone,” Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani, vol. 55 (2001), sections on the Upper Church biblical paintings, the twenty-eight Storie della leggenda di s. Francesco and the 1307–09 Assisi connection; . The account's attribution and chronology are distinguished from later alternatives. View source.
- Directorio Franciscano, “Vida de San Francisco de Asís: Textos de San Buenaventura e ilustraciones de Giotto,” complete twenty-eight-episode index with paired Legenda maior references, , accessed 1 November 2026; narrative details checked against the Salter edition cited in note 3. View source. (in Spanish).
- Daniela Parenti, “Virgin and Child enthroned, surrounded by angels and saints (Ognissanti Maestà),” Uffizi Galleries, current collection record, accessed 1 November 2026. View source.
- Comune di Padova, Cappella degli Scrovegni, “La Cappella di Giotto,” official overview, programme, dedication, vault and Giovanni Pisano sculpture. View source. (in Italian).
- Padova Musei Civici, Vita di Maria, collection inventory. View source. (in Italian).
- Padova Musei Civici, Dio Padre incarica l’arcangelo Gabriele di dare l’annuncio a Maria, collection record. View source. (in Italian).
- Padova Musei, Cappella degli Scrovegni, Cristo davanti ad Anna e Caifa, institutional object record, undated: title, fresco medium, approximate dimensions, location and identification of the impending slap and Caiaphas' gesture. View source.
- National Gallery of Art, Washington, “Madonna and Child,” Giotto, c. 1310/1315, accession 1939.1.256, current artwork overview and object details, accessed 1 November 2026. View source.
- Vatican Museums, “Giotto di Bondone and assistants, Stefaneschi triptych,” Pinacoteca, Room II, current object description, consulted 1 November 2026; date 1315–1320, commission, two-sided arrangement and principal figures. View source.
- Michael Viktor Schwarz, with Michaela Zöschg, Giottus Pictor, vol. 2, Giottos Werke, Vienna, Cologne and Weimar: Böhlau, 2008, pp. 412–14, on the proposed chronology, and pp. 418–26: chapel status and liturgical memoria, pp. 418–19; Ridolfo, burial evidence and patronage, pp. 419–20; programme and memorial interpretation, pp. 420–26. View source. (in German).
- Opera di Santa Croce, , historical dossier, 11 September 2026, on programme, probable patron, post-1317 dating and the conservation history. View source.
- Opera di Santa Croce, “Incoronazione della Vergine tra angeli e santi (Polittico Baroncelli), Giotto,” current institutional catalogue, object information and introductory account, accessed 1 November 2026. View source. (in Italian).
- Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, “Giotto's Bell Tower,” current institutional monument record, sections on structure, building chronology, sculpture and bells, consulted 1 November 2026. . The specialist museum records cited below control the early sculptors' names. View source.
- Michael Viktor Schwarz, with Michaela Zöschg, Giottus Pictor II: Giottos Werke (Vienna, Cologne and Weimar: Böhlau, 2008), “Der Campanile: Nachleben im Bau,” pp. 599–603 and 613–614: site sequence, design experience, structural breaks and sculptural attribution. View source. (in German).
- Michael Viktor Schwarz and Pia Theis, Giottus Pictor I: Giottos Leben (Vienna: Böhlau, 2004), pp. 58–62; appointment of 12 April 1334, pp. 267–269, transcribing Florence, Archivio di Stato, Provvisioni Registri 26, fols. 100v–101r. Foundation, 1335 witness and modern conversion of the death year: pp. 60–61. View source. (in German).
- The Gospel according to Matthew, 26:57–68, especially 26:63–67, Greek and Latin texts with Ronald Knox's English translation, New Advent Bible. Narrative paraphrased here. Matthew, chapter 26. View source. (in Greek/Latin/English).
- The Gospel according to John, 18:13–24, especially 18:19–24, Greek and Latin texts with Ronald Knox's English translation, New Advent Bible. Narrative paraphrased here. John, chapter 18. View source.
- Michael Viktor Schwarz, with Michaela Zöschg, Giottus Pictor, vol. II, Giottos Werke (Vienna, Cologne and Weimar: Böhlau, 2008), pp. 102–105, especially pp. 102–104, section “Der Maler zeigt Häuser, Höfe und Säle” and the beginning of “Erzählung durch Figur und Bewegung.” Open scholarly edition. View source. (in German).
- Schwarz, Giottus Pictor, vol. II (2008), pp. 121–122, section “Christi Blicke,” including fig. 63; preceding comparison with the Arrest on pp. 119–120. The proposed relationship to the Last Judgment is Schwarz's interpretation. Open scholarly edition. View source. (in German).
- Padova Musei, Cappella degli Scrovegni, Il restauro dal 2000 ad oggi, institutional conservation overview, undated, on the July 2001–March 2002 campaign and subsequent monitoring and maintenance. Conservation account. View source. (in Italian).
- Splash image, Scrovegni Christ before Caiaphas, priest tearing garment at viewer left, Christ held in room
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