Applying a Marxist Perspective to Giotto
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Keyhole Press, The University of Tampa
Abstract
The following research exploration investigates the relationship
between Giotto’s work in the heart of the Arena Chapel
and the individual who commissioned it, Enrico Scrovegni. Accused
of being a usurer, Scrovegni commissioned the Arena Chapel
in the hopes of gaining clemency for his dubiously acquired
wealth, as usury had been a sin commensurate with the betrayal
of Christ in medieval Europe. This is emphasized in the depiction
of Scrovegni in Last Judgment, where Scrovegni emblematically
presents a miniature of the Chapel to the Virgin Mary, who
is regarded as the intercessor of forgiveness through her son Jesus
Christ in Catholic Mariology. By using his wealth to influence the
intent of Giotto’s artwork – not only to inspire respect amongst his
peers, but for the purpose of salvation through the Virgin Mother
– Scrovegni has licensed art historians to study his involvement in
the Arena Chapel through the retroactive lens of Marxism, a concept
chiefly concerned with monetary and social principles. This
essay was written in Dr. Rosemarie Trentinella’s ART 225 class.
Description
Recommended citation: Novakovic, Daniella. “Applying a Marxist Perspective to Giotto.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 2021. https://doi.org/10.48497/T4GX-VQ89.
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
Giotto, Marxism, Arena Chapel, Enrico Scrovegni, Last Judgement
Citation
Novakovic, Daniella. “Applying a Marxist Perspective to Giotto.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 2021. https://doi.org/10.48497/T4GX-VQ89.