Giotto; The Last Judgment

Giotto's wonderfully elaborate and vibrant frescoes contribute to the artistic revolution during the Renaissance.  In the Arena Chapel frescos, this particular image of "The Last Judgment" painted in 1305-1306 is a very interesting piece.  According to www.aug.edu, the Last Judgment painting is "based first on Matthew 25:31-46" which explains that "the Son of Man sits enthroned in Heaven and judges the nations, placing the saved on his right and damned on his left. The former go off to Heaven, the latter to eternal punishment." I don't know about you, but the magnitude and detail of such a fresco that explains what would happen to me after I die would probably compel me to live a righteous life. Indeed it is a powerful painting that portrays a profound religious experience like many other frescos that were composed during this time.
When looking closely at the artwork, we can see the obvious shades of color that where intended to represent the saved and the damned.  on the left side of the painting, there is a bright array of color, and the souls of the saved are portrayed in a "heaven like" background.  On the right side, we can see the dark, ominous shades of red, black, and grays.  And to the bottom right corner sits Satan, surrounded by the souls of the damned. In mid center on a brilliant throne sits the "Son of Man" surrounded by elaborate, bright white and gold colors. This is truly a painting that could be analyzed and discussed for hours. Such brilliant work by Giotto and other Renaissance artists during this time has truly left a historical footprint for others to learn and follow.