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This small painting of the Pentecost shows Giotto’s skill at transforming complex biblical stories into images that were easy to decipher. Jesus’s followers were gathered together 50 days after his Crucifixion to celebrate the Jewish Feast of Weeks. A strong wind began to blow and flames like ‘tongues of fire’ appeared on their heads. They were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak miraculously in a number of languages. A white dove radiating gilded rays, representing the Holy Ghost, has appeared directly beneath the central gable. Giotto solved the problem of illustrating the narrative clearly by using a low wall to divide those experiencing the event and those straining to hear what was going on. The symmetrical arrangement of the figures focuses our attention on the dove.
Title
Pentecost
Date
about 1306-12
Medium
Tempera on poplar
Measurements
H 45.5 x W 44 cm
Accession number
NG5360
Acquisition method
Bequeathed by Geraldine Emily Coningham in memory of Mrs Coningham of Brighton and of her husband, Major Henry Coningham, 1942
Work type
Painting
