Giotto and Saint Francis: A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria
A Unique Exhibition at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria
From March 14 to June 14, 2026, Perugia becomes one of Italy’s cultural hubs with a major exhibition dedicated to Giotto and his connection with Saint Francis of Assisi, hosted at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria. Titled Giotto and Saint Francis: A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria, the exhibition is a highlight of the Umbrian celebrations for the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’s death, an event that brings together art, history, and spirituality.
The Meaning of the Exhibition
This is not just a collection of artworks, but a narrative and cultural journey. The exhibition aims to show how Giotto’s painting language marked a radical turning point in the history of Western art, starting from the spiritual climate and the commissions inspired by Saint Francis. This encounter—between Franciscan spirituality and artistic innovation—reveals how representations of reality shifted from stylized, two-dimensional Byzantine forms to a new visual language capable of conveying spatial depth, emotion, and human presence.
A Complete Artistic Itinerary
Curated by Veruska Picchiarelli and Emanuele Zappasodi, and promoted by the Musei Nazionali di Perugia – Regional Directorate of National Museums of Umbria, the exhibition is organized with a network of regional and national cultural institutions. The itinerary includes over 60 works, including paintings, panels, and other artistic testimonies from museums across Italy and abroad.
Alongside Giotto, the exhibition features contemporaries such as Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti, artists who contributed to the rich artistic landscape of 14th-century Umbria. The exhibition also highlights lesser-known masters who worked under the influence of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, showing how Giotto’s innovations reshaped the entire region’s artistic output.
Why It Matters
This exhibition is culturally and historically significant, going far beyond a simple display of artworks. It offers an opportunity to understand one of the most decisive moments in the history of Western painting. Giotto is often considered the “father” of modern painting for his ability to depict figures, gestures, and perspective in a new, engaging way—capturing not only the eye but also the imagination and emotions of the viewer.
Giotto and Saint Francis: A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria is also part of the wider Franciscan celebrations across Umbria, highlighting the region’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage, which has been a center of cultural innovation for centuries.
An Experience Beyond Painting
The exhibition includes multimedia elements, restored works, and narrative short films, helping visitors immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the era. The itinerary connects Assisi, Perugia, and other Umbrian towns, forming a coherent picture of 14th-century artistic achievement.
For an even deeper experience, visitors can book a tour with an official Umbrian tourist guide, exploring the historical and artistic context, the connection between Giotto and Saint Francis, and the innovations that forever changed painting.
The guided visit is suitable for individuals, couples, and small groups, and can be tailored to participants’ interests—offering an ideal opportunity to engage with the artworks with expert, clear, and accessible insight.
For information and reservations, contact: info@umbriaconme.com
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