The artwork, titled “St John on Patmos,” was created by Giotto in 1320. It is a fresco, measuring 280 x 450 cm, and belongs to the Proto Renaissance art movement. This religious painting is a part of the “Life of St John the Evangelist” series and is located in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy.
The fresco depicts St. John the Evangelist in a contemplative pose on the Isle of Patmos, where according to Christian tradition, he received the visions described in the Book of Revelation. In the fresco, St. John is shown in the foreground, seated and engrossed in writing on a scroll, symbolizing his role as an evangelist and visionary. Surrounding him are various celestial and apocalyptic figures, capturing the divine and mystical nature of his visions. The composition and use of color highlight the significance of this momentous event in Christian theology, reflecting Giotto’s innovative approach to religious storytelling and artistic expression. The fresco’s dimensions and intricate details illustrate the grandeur and importance attributed to religious narratives during the Proto Renaissance period.
