The artwork, titled “St. John Evangelist,” was created by the renowned artist Giotto between the years c.1320 and c.1325. This fresco, representative of the Proto Renaissance period, measures 81 by 55 centimeters. As a religious painting, it currently resides in the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris, France.
This fresco depicts St. John the Evangelist, a prominent figure in Christian tradition. In the artwork, St. John is portrayed with a solemn demeanor, holding a quill in one hand and a scroll in the other, alluding to his contributions to the Bible. The background is adorned with a simple but elegant golden halo and arch, which serves to emphasize his sanctity. The composition and detailed rendering of the facial features exhibit Giotto’s masterful use of chiaroscuro, adding depth and realism to the figure. The use of vibrant yet muted tones reflects the Proto Renaissance style, which is characterized by a transition from medieval to more naturalistic representations.
