Giotto di Bondoni: Navicella (The Large Boat)

Title: Navicella (The Large Boat)

• Date: c. 1298–1300

  
  

• Medium: Mosaic (originally), later heavily restored and now only fragments survive

  
  

• Original Location: Old St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy

  
  

• Description:

  
  

  Commissioned by Cardinal Jacopo Stefaneschi, this mosaic depicted St. Peter walking on water towards Christ. The apostles are in a large boat, tossed by waves, while Christ calms the storm and saves Peter. The dramatic composition with large figures and a dynamic sea underscores Giotto’s narrative skill.

  
  

Significance:

Although only fragments remain, this work was one of the most famous mosaics of medieval Rome and demonstrated Giotto’s ability to bring drama and grandeur to monumental works.

To see the complete unit on Giotto di Bondoni Picture Study, please visit:

https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/picture-study-journey-into-gods-story.html