Giotto in Tuscany, famous figure from Vicchio
We believe that part of visiting any area of Italy is like taking a trip back in time. It’s hard to go anywhere in the region of Italy without discovering a famous relic, or story that makes places like Tuscany so fascinating to travelers around the world. Since Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort is located in the tiny town of Vicchio, we seek to share what makes this famous more than just a gorgeous backdrop. It also happens to be the birthplace of one of the most famous artists in history, Giotto. Born in Colle di Vespignano (in Vicchio) in 1266.
One fun fact about one of Tuscany’s superstars? He could draw a perfect “o” without a compass. To start from the beginning, Giotto was the apprentice of the famed Cimabue, and was known for breaking away the artists mold of the time and developing the technique of drawing accurately from life. In fact, legend has it that a young Giotto was discovered by Cimabue as he depicted simple scenes of his sheep.
Eventually Giotto overcame even his master and became incredible well-known and rich, taking on works in Assisi and eventually, even Rome. He is considered one of the most (if not the most) important artistic figures during the birth of the Renaissance.
Giotti didn’t forget his roots in Tuscany, he came back around the 1300’s to complete the beautiful Peruzzi Chapel and Bardi Chapel in Santa Croce for famous Florentine families. Later in his working life, he became more of an architect, making his mark on the Florence Opera del Duomo and the bell tower which is named after him.
A list of his most famous works includes the stunning frescoes of Assisi depicting the Life of Saint Francis and the Life of Saint Isaac, Cross of Santa Maria Novella (Florence), the painting Polypthic of Badia in theUffizi Gallery.
You can read more about Giotto and his life in Tuscany via Tuscany Arts.
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