Gothic art represented a transitional period prior to the Renaissance. Compare Cimabue’s Madonna and Child Enthroned to Giotto’s Virgin and Child Enthroned.

Gothic art represented a transitional period prior to the Renaissance.  Compare Cimabue’s Madonna and Child Enthroned to Giotto’s Virgin and Child Enthroned.  Discuss how each embodies characteristics of either Gothic or Renaissance art and how artistic conventions transformed with the work of Giotto. 

In your opinion, which Renaissance artist best represents what that era was about?  Consider the artist’s focus on humanism, thorough understanding of multiple disciplines outside of the arts, and mastery of multiple art mediums.  Also, consider how that artist still influences the artistic canon today.