While some art historians snub Giotto based on his fame, he deserves prominence for his ingenuity and ability as an artist. Observing a work of Giotto, such as Crucifixion, one cannot deny feeling a rush of emotion. He captures pain, sorrow, and loss upon the face of every figure and not only creates individual subjects, but transmits this intensity to whoever views the piece. Giotto used individuality and emotion as only a few of his tools to break free of Byzantine restraints. He also utilized space that added movement and provided depth in ways unimaginable at the time.

Currently, Giotto is best known for his creations at Assisi, Padua, and Florence, but his talents ranged far beyond frescoes. He worked with mosaic, painting on wood, sculpture, charcoal, and architecture as well. As chief architect of Florence, he designed “Giotto’s Bell Tower,” which receives renown worldwide as an architectural and artistic feat.

As an artist who expressed raw talent in a variety of mediums, revolutionized the potential impact of painting, defined the Florencian School, and gave new meaning to realism, Giotto truly earned his place among the Masters. By today’s standards, Giotto’s works certainly merit distinction, but placed within context - during a time of flatness and emotional emptiness - they are inconceivable. Giotto’s innovation broadened the potential of art and made today’s standards possible. In the words of Machiavelli, “One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.”