“The Homage of a Simple Man” by Giotto, shows a man spreading a cloak before the saint, in the square of Assisi, opposite the Temple of Minerva. The scene is perfectly clear, and requires no explanation. Giotto’s artistic language is simple, straightforward, and with a wealth of references to reality, not only in the human figures and their poses and expressions, but also in the illustration of the setting, with the city of Assisi and its buildings clearly visible and recognizable. The buildings are shown as they were in Giotto’s time, as are the characters. For the temple, however, he painted five columns instead of six, so it would not take up too much space in the center of the scene.
