In this scene we are faced with a moment of joy and wonder. Saint Anne, who because of her advanced age had despaired of ever conceiving a child, has become pregnant by the will of God. And here Giotto portrays the birth of her daughter, Maria. These are three distinct scenes, brought together in a single image. The first moments after the birth, when the women place the newborn Mary in Anne’s arms, while another handmaid offers the new mother a piece of bread to restore her after the labour. Immediately below, the first bath, given with a little clean water and humble cloths.
Meanwhile, at the door, a woman hands over gifts of good omen. Perhaps she is the wife of Scrovegni, who commissioned the entire work. An image set within architecture typical of Giotto, who succeeds in lending the scene a sense of space and dynamism.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper Sheet size: 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 in) With frame: 32 x 32 cm (12.6 x 12.6 in) Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
How an Amalfi art print is made, what the frame is like, what museum glass is, how long shipping takes, and how returns work: we’ve gathered all the answers on a single page.
