St. Jerome Checking the Stigmata on the Body of St. Francis 1300

Giotto painted this fresco of St. Jerome and St. Francis in the late 13th or early 14th century, right here in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. The fresco technique involves applying pigments to wet lime plaster. It's a race against time: the artist has to work quickly before the plaster dries, making the process as much about physical skill and efficiency as artistic vision. The materials themselves – earth pigments mixed with water, the rough texture of the plaster – give the fresco its distinctive look. The colors are muted, and the surface is slightly rough, inviting a tactile engagement even though you can’t touch it. Consider, too, the social context. Giotto wasn't just an artist; he was running a workshop, a business. Assistants would have prepared the plaster, mixed pigments, and even painted some of the less important areas. This was a collaborative endeavor, a production process not unlike a small factory. Ultimately, understanding the materiality and the making of this fresco helps us appreciate the immense labor and skill involved, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry.