According to Vasari, Cimabue inspired
the art of painting. While growing up he was judged by his strict father and
was sent to Santa Maria Novella for school. Consequently, Cimabue never paid
any attention to grammar school he became inspired by nature and spent days
drawing men, animals and architecture. Fortunetly, Cimabue came from a rich family
so he wasn’t summoned as a Greek artist in Florence. He took over many projects
in Firenze. He also started to work on his masterpiece on The Gondi Chapel, which
you can find in the Santa Maria Novella.
Cimabue’s work imitated many Greek
styles of painting. Nevertheless, he had very much improved their style of
painting and took away a lot of their awkwardness. Cimabue did honor his native
city with his name. He created the Altar Dossal at Santa Cecilia and then a
panel of our lady in Santa Croce.
After, undertaking a large panel for
the monks of Vallombrosa in the Abbey of Santa Trinita in Florence. He worked
hard and laborious to perfect the frame including a beautiful pose of the
Madonna whom He depicted holding Her son in His arms, while angels surrounded Her
in adoration. When his work was completed it the monks placed it on a high
altar of their church.
Although Cimabue had much success he
always stuck to his roots through greek manner. He was much softer when it came
to his lines and style of modern times. Vasari was very compassionate about
Cimabue and quoted in his book, “ Cimabue believed he held the field in
painting, and while alive he did; but now the heavenly stars are his.”( Pg 12
Vasari).
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