Abstract

The first chapter of this independent study focuses on Giotto and his work at the Arena Chapel. While the Last Judgment scene at this location is certainly one of the more well-studied renditions of this theme, I attempt to reposition its significance in terms of Dante’s newly established visual tradition and the conversational artistic relationship they might have engaged in. Dante and Giotto have had a long-standing and legacy of being intertwined in some manner. Whether they had a personal relationship, or simply knew of each other's work, the two have been associated with one another for centuries. While many have speculated on their proximity, I argue that this factor is not what strengthens either of two’s artistic ingenuity, but rather it is the way in which their respective works interact. Focusing in on some of the more nuanced aspects of the Arena Chapel, such as the procession of the Vices and Virtues, positions Dante and Giotto as a far more complex mechanism of artistic duality than what has been previously understood.

The second chapter takes a different approach, as the Camposanto, in its entirety, is far less studied. Instead of placing myself in a vast arena of already existing scholarship, there was much more free reign in the direction that could be taken. This chapter emphasizes that the impact of Dante’s Divine Comedy and the reach of his visual tradition do not require the obvious representation of Dante’s words, as Giotto did in the Arena chapel, but instead even the essence and aura of Dante can be felt through the genius artistry that Buffalmacco produces. It is somewhat unheard of to identify an explicit link between Dante and Buffalmacco, but this chapter seeks to not only explain that Buffalmacco would have engaged with the emergence of Dante’s visual legacy, but that his Last Judgment fresco in the Camposanto is one of the most prolific example of this development. The historical contexts of the location, as well as Buffalmacco’s known engagement with the book arts prompts this crucial inclusion of the artist in the legacy of Dante.

This exploration delves into the profound and enduring legacy of Dante, focusing on the interplay between his poetic masterpiece, the Divine Comedy, and visual interpretations within the Arena Chapel and Camposanto. I seek to reframe the understanding of Dante’s visual tradition as more than simple illustrations of his work and bring to light the ways in which Dante is understood in these frescoes, even without obvious ties. Together, the visual masterpieces mentioned in this study encapsulate the timeless resonance of Dante's vision, offering an immersive exploration of the profound and enigmatic realms within both literature and art.

Advisor

Cosgriff, Tracy

Department

Art and Art History

Disciplines

Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture | Arts and Humanities | History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology

Keywords

Dante, Giotto, Buffalmacco, Italian Art, Last Judgment, Visibile Parlare

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2023 Caroline Rose Dillard