Cimabue – 100 Timeless Works | From Masters to Modernists
Overview
Over the next 100 blogs, we will explore 100 artists from the 13th century to the modern art period, which is around 1960. These 100 artists will include of course painters, sculptors and printmakers. Remember, art doesn’t just refer to painters but anyone and everyone who can showcase their creativity and inspire generations.
Going Back to the 13th Century
Let’s go back in time to the 13th century, this artist was a leading Italian painter.
Very little is known about the life and works of ‘Cimabue’, his real name being Cenni Di Pepo.
Hover or tap the glowing gold dots to reveal Cimabue’s masterpieces and their years.
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1280
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Eight Angels and Four Prophets (Maestà)
Description: This is a massive painting measuring 12 ft tall and 7 ft wide. The centre characters are Mary holding baby Jesus surrounded by eight angels. Mary and baby Jesus are pointing their hands but in either direction.
Seems like Mary pointing the way or showing the way possibly to heaven and Jesus raising his hand or posing to bless. If you watch closely, you will notice the details in their eyes. The viewer would feel Mary and six angels looking at them while the two other angels are gazing at Jesus. You would notice there are four men at the bottom of the painting much closer to the viewer. These figures are so detailed, viewers often experience the three-dimensionality within the paintings.
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1287
Crucifix
Description: This was a signature painting by Cimabue showcasing the move away from then Byzantine pictorial language. His paintings are meant to depict realism and expressionism. Looking closer at the Crucifix in the Basilica, there are two ‘mourners’ at half-length at the ends of Jesus' arms. The one on the left is Madonna and the one on the right is St.John. They both are shown to be mourning which is a sign of suffering watching Jesus on the cross. Looking above Jesus' head, you would notice the classic Latin inscription: “Hic est Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudeorum” meaning “This is Jesus the Nazarene, King of Jews”.
And above the text, there is a circular shape inside is a Christ or Jesus giving blessing. Moving down to the second of the painting, you would see blood flowing from the nails pierced at Jesus' feet. It feels Cimabue aimed to evoke the viewer's emotion, taking the viewer the highest sense of compassion and somehow experiencing Christ’s pain.
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1300
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Angels
Description: This artwork depicts Madonna with baby Jesus on her lap. They are flanked by two saints, on the left stands Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Dominic de Guzman. Two saints being the founders of their own religion. Saint Francis on the left, whose hands bear wounds, while Saint Dominic wears a black coat over white tunic robe. Baby Jesus resembles an eminent man while giving a blessing as he looks towards Saint Francis.
Here Saint Francis eyes are lowered marking humility and respect indicating his submission towards the divine being. The background also is guarded or watched by two angels resting their hands on the back of the throne. Cimabue, with his unique skills, brings the three dimensional depth for viewers.
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1301
St John the Baptist
Description: One of the last creations by Cimabue was St John. This is a different creation by Cimabue compared to his earlier creations. This is not a painting by a mosaic art on the ceilings of Opera Del Duomo, Pisa.
There were many artists who created the whole mosaic work which contains enthroned God, Madonna on the left and in the right is St John by Cimabue. Cimabue was not only a painter but highly skilled in mosaic work. His mosaic work here, shared the resemblance of his painting style.
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