Giotto, Madonna Enthroned, c. 1310

Twenty years after the work of Cimababue and Duccio, Giotto paints the Madonna Enthroned for the church of Ognissanti. Unlike Giotto's other works, this piece introduces a hint of Byzantine and gothic characteristics through its golden background, pointed arches, and "heavier" more "human-like" figures.

With Mary staring so proudly right at you and the meticulous use of space and proportion to create an illusion of depth, Madonna Enthroned just about earns the title of perfection. But, there is one small detail that refuses to leave me alone: The halos.

Oh my Giotto, the halos.

More specifically, Miss Mary's halo. Though I'm hardly one to dabble in the gripes of the OCD, Mary's halo sits just far enough off-center to keep me up at night. It's a simple fix, really. All Giotto needs to do is turn her face just slightly to the left and then the halo a tad to the right. Mary would still be staring out and in proportion but her halo would be center and universe can continue to expand.

Nonetheless, the balance in the rest of the painting is impeccable. The crowds' strong focus on Mary and Jesus portrays the strict devotion towards them creating quite an endearing little scene.

Considering all the Madonnas (and there are trillions), this is one of my favorites. Giotto's portrays Mary more realistically and proportionally (save for her halo) than the other artists of the time. Although Duccio's Mary may be the prettiest, there's a curious human quality about Giotto's. Thus creating one of the most charming spectacles of the 1300s.