
English: Moses brings forth water out of the rock, as in Numbers 20:2-13, fresco by Giotto di Bondone, at the Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), Padua (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337), Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel) a Padova, the Seven Vices: “Injustice” (Iniustitia, ca. 1305-1306) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337), Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel) a Padova, the Seven Vices: “Inconstancy” (Inconstantia, ca. 1305-1306) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In Padua, visit the Scrovengi Chapel with an amazing cycle of frescoes by Giotto.
Completed in 1305, the frescoes detail the life story of the Virgin Mary. The theme is salvation. The west wall is dominated by the Last Judgement and this Chapel is often refered to as Giotto’s Sistine Chapel.
The cycle is divided into 37 scenes. “The Kiss of Judas” is near the end of the sequence for logical reasons.

Cast of the portrait of Enrico Scrovegni, made by Giovanni Pisano. Original in capella degli Scrovegni. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovengi who was a wealthy banker. There is an interesting portrayal of the Seven Christian virtues: the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and courage. The three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity . There is also an interesting repesentation of the Vices!
Giotto’s “Last Judgment”, covers the wall above the entrance. My favorite fresco is “The Kiss of Judas” which portrays the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.
Giotto was an architect as well as an artist, and may have designed the chapel.

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua | |
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Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List | |
Type | Cultural |
Criteria | ii, iii |
Reference | 824 |
UNESCO region | Europe |
Inscription history | |
Inscription | 1997 (21st Session) |
Padua is also the birthplace of the famous architect Andrea Palladio and famous scuptor Antonio Canova.

The Flight into Egypt by Giotto di Bondone (1304-06, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)