1267-1337. Italian painter and architect. He
broke away from the conventional Gothic style
of the time, and introduced a naturalistic
style, painting saints as real people. He
painted cycles of frescoes in churches at
Assisi, Florence, and Padua. He is said to
have designed the campanile (bell tower) in
Florence. Giotto was born in Vespignano, N of
Florence. The interior of the Arena Arena
Chapel, Padua, was covered by him in a fresco
cycle (completed by 1306) illustrating the
life of Mary and the life of Jesus. Giotto's
figures occupy a definite pictorial space,
and there is an unusual emotional intensity
and dignity in the presentation of the story.
In one of the frescoes he made the Star of
Bethlehem appear as a comet; Halley's comet
had appeared 1303, just two years before.
From 1334 he was official architect to
Florence and from 1335 overseer of works at
the cathedral; he collaborated with Andrea
Pisano in decorating the cathedral facade
with statues and designing the campanile,
which was completed after his death.