Giotto, Joachim and Anne meeting at the Golden Gate, 1305, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua.

Week Two

Of all the decorative schemes in world art, the frescoes by Giotto (1267-1337) in Padua must be among the most coherent and most profound. Learn about their origins in this enlightening short course led by art historian and National Gallery educator Dr. Richard Stemp; discover the meaning of each image, and, by considering the ways in which they relate to one another, understand the full extent of Giotto’s genius.

The chapel was dedicated on the Feast of the Annunciation in 1305 to Santa Maria della Carità - St Mary of Charity, or Mercy - a role adopted by the Virgin for those who wish her to be especially charitable toward their sins. The second lecture will therefore focus on the role of the Virgin Mary within the chapel, recounting the story of her birth and betrothal, as shown in the frescoes, and the part she played in the early life of Jesus.