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Chap. VIII. GIOTTO AT ROME. 257 central one, are ornamented with figures and medallions similar to those on the three other panels, are, to the right, standing, S. Andrew and S. John the Evangelist, 1 to the left, S. James 2 and S. Paul. 3 The predellas here are three in number, and of these, two are divided into five compartments each, in the first of which the Virgin and child are enthroned between two angels, S. Peter and S. Andrew; in the second, are five standing apostles; in the third, are three busts of S. Lawrence and two other saints. 4 The three remaining predellas are gone. Giotto gave to the Virgin a serious gravity, more like the old conven tional type than usual; yet he infused into Sthis old form a certain freshness of aspect, whilst he imparted to the shape a better proportion than of old. His attentive observation of nature is illustrated by the beautiful infant Saviour, whose occupation is the usual childish one of sucking its tiny hand. No longer the grim infant of moody expression, whose face contrasts by gloom with the idea of infancy, without really imparting that of su preme power, it is an earnest simple babe. 5 Though time has dealt unkindly with this series of Giotto’s works, and parts have suffered damage, no restoring has taken place, and the student can fully instruct himself as to the manner of the greatest of the early Florentine masters. which Giotto painted. The pi lasters of this panel are not or namented with figures, but with mere arabesques. In the medal lion at the top of the gable is an angel with a book and poin ting with his right hand. He wears a blue tunic and a golden belt. The marble foreground has lost its colour and under gesso. 1 In the medallions at the points of the gables are a prophet and an angel. The figure of 8. John is damaged and blackened. 2 The figure holding a book and staff is youthful and finely rendered. 8 S. Paul carries the sword on his shoulders; both this and the S. James stand in niches; and, above them, is a figure of a pro phet holding a scroll. 4 This part of the predella is damaged and seems to have suf fered from the lights on an altar. 5 In the vestments of the Ma donna the drapery is grand. The angels, holding censers on each side, are in just motion; and the deep religious feeling in their ex pression supplies the absence of any peculiar beauty. S. Peter, with his wellknown head, short grey beard, and austere features, was seldom presented in better character. Nor in the other figu res of apostles was Giotto want ing in variety or propriety. 17 VOL. I.