Pietro Lorenzetti - Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ

Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Alexandria with angels

The depictions of Madonna by Pietro Lorenzetti and Giotto have many similarities, including but not limited to the physical shape of the artwork. Both feature angled, pointed frames that serve to emphasize the importance of the illustrated Madonna and Christ. The motif of golden light and holy elegance is shared in both pieces, with Madonna in a similar dark robe while the Christ Child sits upon her lap. However, while Giotto depicted Christ in a simple garb, Pietro has him dressed in white and gold cloth with lace. There is detail in the halos, while Giotto preferred unadorned, solid disks of gold. Interestingly, the shape of the throne in which Madonna and Christ sits in Giotto’s painting is mirrored in the shape of Pietro’s triptych. The figures are also very naturalistic, and I believe the expressions are very similar to those of Giotto’s work.