The Trinity and Pentecost Frescoes
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FrescoGiotto and workshopc.1303-1305

The Trinity and Pentecost Frescoes

Pentecost fresco — Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel, c.1305

Giotto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Medium
Fresco
Date
c.1303-1305
City
Padua
Collection
Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel
01Significance

This entry refers to the complete fresco cycle of the Scrovegni Chapel (see entry 5 for the main entry), with specific attention to the Pentecost fresco on the east wall and the Trinity representation implicit in the Last Judgment (west wall) and the Annunciation (chancel arch). The Pentecost fresco — the disciples gathered together with tongues of flame descending — is one of Giotto's finest individual compositions in the chapel: the circular arrangement of the apostles beneath the dove, their upturned faces expressing a range of individual responses to the descent of the Spirit, demonstrates his mastery of group composition. For a full description of the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes, see entry 5.

02About the Artist
Giotto and workshop
Giotto di Bondone
Lived
c.1267 – 1337
Trained as
Painter and architect
Also made
Scrovegni Chapel frescoes · Ognissanti Madonna

For artist context, see entry 5 (Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto).

03What to Notice

For visiting information and detailed description of what to notice, see entry 5 (Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto, Padua).

Visual details
Look for
Pentecost fresco — Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel, c.1305

When standing before this work, look carefully: Pentecost fresco — Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel, c.1305. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.

Look for
Annunciation — Giotto, chancel arch

When standing before this work, look carefully: Annunciation — Giotto, chancel arch. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.

Look for
Last Judgment — Giotto, west wall

When standing before this work, look carefully: Last Judgment — Giotto, west wall. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.

Look for
Scrovegni Chapel interior — complete fresco cycle

When standing before this work, look carefully: Scrovegni Chapel interior — complete fresco cycle. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.

04Visiting

Scrovegni Chapel, Piazza Eremitani 8, Padua. Strictly limited timed entry — advance booking essential. See entry 5 for full visiting details.

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