Compare and contrast Cimabue's Virgin and Child Enthroned and Giotto's Virgin and Child Enthroned. What are their similarities and differences? Which artist had an impact on painting in the Renaissance and why?

What will be an ideal response?

The ideal answer should include:
1. In both paintings, Mary is depicted in the center of the composition against a gold background and her larger scale distinguishes her from the surrounding angels.
2. In Cimabue's painting, the influence of Byzantine painting traditions is evident in the linear golden highlights on Mary's drapery, and the artist represents space ambiguously.
3. Giotto's painting is more realistic because the figures are three-dimensional beings­-their plainly draped, bulky bodies appear to inhabit real space because Giotto has used light and shadow to model their bodies and the folds of their drapery.
4. According to Vasari, Giotto was much more influential on future artistic traditions. because he replaced the Byzantine style with naturalism by using live models and employing good drawing techniques.