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254 EARLY CHRISTIAN ART. Chap. VIII. replace the separate parts in their original situation. On one side, Giotto represented, in the central panel, the Re deemer enthroned in the act of benediction, and holding the book, 1 with a choir of angels in ranks above each other at his sides, 2 and a kneeling figure of Cardinal Stefaneschi in prayer at the foot of the throne. 3 The cardinal's hat on the mosaic floor in front of him indicates that he had already attained the highest dignity but one which the church confers. 4 The principle, according to which the Redeemer should express the superior majesty of his presence by proportions vastly superior to those of his guardian angels, ministers and worshippers, was carried out to the letter in this picture, where, to sym metrical form and regular proportions, a certain immobility in the attitude, and in the expression of the mouth and eyes was maintained. It was an attempt, perhaps at the prayer of the patron, to preserve a traditional idea and type respectable at least for its age; but, even under these conditions, Giotto was not unable to impart a certain elegance of outline to the holy effigy. In the angels, which were placed, according to the plan of Cimabue, in rows, the formality of the arrangement was mitigated by a fair choice of form, great diversity of character, and justness of proportion, and a feeling of fervent adoration. 1 The Redeemer wears a blue mantle embroidered with white flowers, lined with white, embroi dered with gold flowers. 2 There are eight angels at each side. 3 Stefaneschi is dressed in blue and wears a purple mantle. He seems aged about 50. 4 Of this picture Cancellieri (ub. sup.) says, “ad ejus pedes (Sospitatoris nostri) provolutum Cardinalem Jacobum Caietani de Stefanescis. . . . qui DCCC. Flo- renor. sumptu . . . hujus modi ta- bulas a Jotto depingendas cura- vit.” p. 1464. The Saviour sits tinder a trefoil gable, in the key of which is a half figure of the Eternal with the orb and keys, and a two edged sword issuing from his mouth; whilst in the ang les of the trefoil two medallions of prophets are depicted. The Eternal wears a gold tunic and belt and a blue mantle. In each pilaster, supporting the gable, a beautiful ornament is inter rupted at equal intervals by three figures of Saints and Evangelists. This panel has suffered from clean ing, but not from restoring. Some heads, particularly those of the uppermost angels, have lost colour by rubbing.