Maine Celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee Year: Giotto Frescoes restored in Florence Italy Basilica of Santa Croce
Giotto’s famed fresco cycle depicting St. Francis of Assisi restored in Florence. Reported in the Associated Press by Francesco Sportelli FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — A cycle of frescoes by Italian 14th-century master Giotto , depicting key moments in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, has been unveiled after a four-year restoration. The newly vibrant “Stories of St. Francis” were shown to the public last week in the Basilica of Santa Croce, just in time for the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death on October 4. Giotto, who died in Florence in 1337, is considered by many to be the greatest Italian painter of his time and is considered the father of European painting. His artistic innovations informed the Renaissance style that developed after he died. Painted between 1317-1325 and adorning a side chapel in the basilica, the St. Francis frescos have regained their richness following the restoration and offer new insights into Giotto’s revolutionary techniques and style, restorers said. Em...