Duecento Art in Tuscany and Rome

Question 1

Christus Patiens Crucifixion, Giunta Pisano

Answer 1

1250 in Bologna, Italy

• Earliest known Italian painter to write signature
• Depicts Christ’s suffering/emphasizes humanity
• Made for Basilica of San Domenico
• Removed by Council of Trent/Rediscovered in 1935

Question 2

Christus Triumphans Crucifixion

Answer 2

c. 1250 Pisa, Italy

• Nicknamed Santa Bona Cross
• Made for the San Martino Church in Pisa
• Triumphant crucifixion symbolizes Christ’s victory over death
• Signature on cross that says “Michele son of…vini painted this.” Missing letters
• Heavily influenced by Byzantine works

Question 3

Pulpit at Pisa Baptistery by Nicola Pisano

Answer 3

1260 Pisa, Italy

• Figures can be traced back to Roman sarcophagi
• The Daniel scuplture is imitated from a Hercules sarcophagi/First nude to be considered heroic
• Afterwards, Pisano went to Sienna to work another project with his pupils and son, Giovanni
• The hexagonal shape of pulpit is unique compared to others before it which were rectangular in Tuscany

Question 4

Cimabue’s crucifix

Answer 4

1280s Florence

• Not signed but attributed to Cimabue by Vasari
• Received damage from 1966 flood/Santa Croce at the time
• Breakaway from Byzantine style/Naturalistic qualities
• Commissioned by the Franciscans
• Taken to Opera Museum after flood/Poor condition

Question 5

Enthroned Madonna and Child with Angels and Prophets also by Cimabue

Answer 5

c. 1280 Florence

• Painted for Santa Trinita Church
• Currently in Uffizi Gallery designed by Vasari as a office building
• Foundation houses OT prophets: Jeremiah, Abraham, David, and Isaiah. The Christian faith
• Removed from Santa Trinita in 1471/Replaced by Trinity by Alesso Baldovinetti