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Life of Christ (Giotto) facts for kids

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Giotto. Last Supper and Crucifixion. Alte Pinakothek, Munich. c. 1320-25.
Two of the works in Munich, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion

The Life of Christ is a series of seven paintings created by the famous Italian artist Giotto. He made these artworks between 1320 and 1325. The paintings show important moments from the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth (the Nativity), his suffering and death (the Passion), and the special event of Pentecost.

Today, these seven paintings are kept in different museums around the world. Three of them are in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. Other paintings from the series can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA; the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, USA; the Berenson Collection in Settignano, Italy; and the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom.

About the Paintings

Giotto's "Life of Christ" series tells a story through art. Each painting shows a different part of Jesus's journey. These artworks were made using tempera paint and gold on wooden panels. Tempera paint is a type of paint that uses egg yolk to bind the colors. Using gold leaf made the paintings shine and look very special.

Giotto was a very important artist from the early Renaissance period. His paintings were known for showing people with more realistic feelings and movements than earlier art. This made his work feel more alive and relatable to viewers.

The Seven Paintings

Here are the seven paintings in the series and where you can find them:

  • Adoration of the Magi: This painting shows the three wise men visiting baby Jesus. It is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA. It measures about 44 by 45 centimeters.
  • Presentation in the Temple: This artwork shows Jesus being presented at the temple as a baby. You can see it at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, USA. It is about 44 by 43 centimeters.
  • Last Supper: This painting shows Jesus sharing his last meal with his disciples. It is located in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. This painting is about 42.56 by 43 centimeters.
  • Crucifixion: This artwork shows Jesus on the cross. It is also in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. Its size is about 45 by 43.5 centimeters.
  • Deposition: This painting shows Jesus's body being taken down from the cross. It is part of the Villa I Tatti (Berenson Collection) in Florence, Italy. It measures about 44.5 by 43 centimeters.
  • Descent into Limbo: This artwork shows Jesus going into Limbo after his death. You can find it in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. It is about 45 by 43.5 centimeters.
  • Pentecost: This painting shows the Holy Spirit coming down upon the apostles. It is displayed at the National Gallery in London, United Kingdom. This painting is about 45 by 43.5 centimeters.

These paintings are important examples of Giotto's work. They show his skill in telling stories and creating powerful images that have lasted for centuries.

Images for kids

  • The Adoration of the Magi MET DT3

    Adoration of the Magi

  • Giotto - Presentation of Christ in the Temple

    Presentation in the Temple

  • Giotto di Bondone - Last Supper - WGA09345

    Last Supper

  • Giotto di Bondone 001

    Crucifixion

  • Giotto di Bondone - Entombment - WGA09347

    Deposition

  • Giotto di Bondone - Descent into Limbo - WGA09348

    Descent into Limbo

  • Giotto. Pentecost. 1320-25 National Gallery, London.

    Pentecost

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