Feast of Herod 1320

Giotto's "Feast of Herod" (c. 1320), a fresco located in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, depicts the biblical story of King Herod's lavish feast during which he orders the beheading of John the Baptist. The scene is set in an open-air courtyard, showcasing Giotto's masterful use of perspective and spatial depth. This artwork is a defining example of the Proto-Renaissance style, where figures are depicted with increased naturalism and emotion compared to the flatness of earlier medieval art. The composition is marked by clear lines, vibrant colors, and a sense of dramatic tension, emphasizing the tragic event unfolding before the viewer's eyes.