VERIFICATION OF THE STIGMATA BY GIOTTO

The fresco entitled “Verification of the Stigmata” is set in a church, at the back of the nave. There is a Cross hanging on the beam between two paintings as in the “Nativity Scene at Greccio”, but this time seen from the front. Hanging to the left of the Cross is a lamp with numerous oil lanterns. A pulley was used to lower them so they could be lit. In the foreground, the clergy have come to verify the stigmata on the hands and the side of the Saint after his death. The character who stands out most is the one dressed in red, at the bottom left, invested with a powerful energy in both his stance and his clothing. It may have been painted by Giotto himself, while the others may be the work of his assistants.