Story by Anthony Savvides
Newly discovered frescoes by the famed artist, Giotto, can be seen at the chapel of St. Nicholas of Myra in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. As a result of recent restoration efforts, which have been ongoing since a 1997 earthquake, the Giotto work is now visible in to the right of the altar in the lower church, an area that is usually closed off to the public.
Giotto di Bondone was an Italian artist and architect from Florence who was prominent during the late Middle Ages and contributed greatly to the Italian Renaissance. More commonly known simply as Giotto, his works remain preserved to this day, from Assisi up to Padua. Giotto’s religious artwork can be seen in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua as well as the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. Previously known works of Giotto’s in Assisi are located in the upper church, but the new finding in the lower church more heavily displays the expertise and skill of Giotto.
Sergio Fusetti, the chief of the restoration, said that the newly found fresco is one of the earliest of Giotto’s career, and could help reconstruct the chronology of his life’s work. The restoration processes have cost the “Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia e Generali” about 360,000€.
The restoration efforts have been proceeding steadily since “I colori di Giotto” (the colors of Giotto), an exhibition that ran from April-September 2010, allowing tourists and other visitors to witness the uncovering, day by day, of yet another of Giotto’s masterpieces. The frescoes found in the lower church in the chapel of St. Nicholas feature a depiction of the Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the Christ child, St. John the Baptist and other saints.
Though some experts have argued the authorship of some works attributed to Giotto, the authenticity of the frescoes in the chapel of St. Nicholas should not be doubted. An inscription of “GB” is clearly visible, where the “B” is prominent, indicating a sort of signature by Giotto di Bondone.
While the chapel has been closed off to the public for an extended period of time, it will be reopened during an official ceremony, from December 6-12. Father Giuseppe Piemontese, the keeper of the sacred convent of Assisi, will speak during the unveiling ceremony, along with the Minister of Culture, Lorenzo Ornaghi.