The artwork “Confirmation of the Rule” by Giotto, created in 1325, is a fresco belonging to the Proto Renaissance art movement. A religious painting, it is part of the “Life of Saint Francis” series and is located in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy.
The artwork vividly captures a significant moment in the life of Saint Francis, depicting the approval of his Rule by the Church. At the center, Saint Francis kneels before a seated bishop, who gestures in blessing or approval. Surrounding Saint Francis, a group of Franciscan friars mirror his humility and devotion, their heads bowed in reverence. The setting of the scene is architecturally detailed, with an elaborate triangular pediment crowning the structure, symbolic of divine approval. The fresco exudes a solemn and sacred atmosphere, underscored by the calm and orderly arrangement of the figures, which is typical of Giotto’s narrative clarity and his pioneering use of naturalistic forms. The fresco also shows signs of age, with some portions faded or deteriorated, offering a glimpse into the work’s historical journey over nearly seven centuries.