Tempera and Gold Leaf were the hallmarks at the beginning of this era, born from the predating Byzantine era of art, but died with the innovation of fresco technique (limeproof pigments laid on lime plaster.) Some of the most important changes and distinctions in painting took place during this historical transition in art. Artists and painters strove for a “new naturalism,” while dimension, facial details, and roman themes emerged from the canvas.
Bonaventura Berlinghieri (active ca. 1215-1244)
St. Francis Altarpiece, Tempera on wood, 1235, Church of San Francesco
Cimabue (active ca. 1240-1302)
Maestà, Tempera on wood, 1270-1280, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Eight Angels and Four Prophets, Tempera on wood, 1280, Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Pietro Cavallini (Mosaic artist, active ca. 1240-1308)
Interior view, 1296-1300, Santa Maria, Rome
Arch 1, Nativity, 1296-1300, Santa Maria, Rome
Giotto (active ca. 1295-1337)
Madonna and Child Enthroned, 1295, Tempera on panel, Santa Giorgio alla Costa, Florence
Duccio di Buoninsegna (active ca.1278-1318)
Life of Jesus, 1308, Tempera and gold leaf on wood, Siena
Virgin Enthroned with Saints from Maesta altarpiece, 1311, Tempera and gold leaf on wood, Siena
Simone Martini (1285-1344)
Annunciation Altarpiece, 1333, Tempera and gold leaf on wood, Florence
Madonna and Child, 1315, Tempera and gold leaf on wood, Siena
Orsini Altar, 1333, Tempera on wood, Belgium
Pietro Lorenzetti (active ca. 1320-1348)
Ambrogio Lorenzetti (active ca. 1319-1348)
The Wall of Camposanto (Francesco Traini or Buonamico Buffalmacco, 1330s)
Art History 