Чимабуе, 1240 – 1302

Чимабуе Paintings: The 52 Most Famous Works, Ranked

Чимабуе's most famous painting is Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) (1285). With The Mocking of Christ (1280) and Križ Cimabuea u Santa Croce (1287), it completes the three works everyone recognises. Our catalogue lists 52 works by Чимабуе; the 52 below are the ones the world looks at most, each with its year, the museum that holds it and why it matters.

Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated октобар 2026. Every masterpiece on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, at the size you choose.

Portrait of Чимабуе
Чимабуе · 1240 – 1302
Born · died
1240 – 1302, Фиренца
Movement
Protorenesansa
Works in our catalogue
52
Most famous
Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) (1285)
Most works at
Galerija Ufizi

The 10 most famous Чимабуе paintings

The Mocking of Christ (1280) by Чимабуе
2

The Mocking of Christ

1280 · Tempera On Panel · Luvr, Pariz

The air within the frame feels heavy, thick with the tension of a crowd pressing inward. At the center of this small, wooden world stands Jesus, his body draped in a deep blue cloak over a red robe. He does not fight back. His arms hang limp, and his expression remains impassive, even as the figures around him surge with aggression. A man reaches upward, his fingers grasping at the…

Križ Cimabuea u Santa Croce (1287) by Чимабуе
3

Križ Cimabuea u Santa Croce

1287 · Tempera na drvenoj podlozi · Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, Firenca

Remek-delo bizantijanskog uticaja Cimabuejev „Razapani” stoji kao monumentalno delo kasnog 13. veka, oličavajući tranziciju od vizantijske ikonografije ka ranoj renesansnoj realizmu. Stvoren oko 1287. godine, ovaj krst koji je impozantnih dimenzija svedoči o Cimabuejevom inovativnom pristupu, spajajući tradicionalni religijski simbolizam sa novonastalim umetničkim tehnikama koje će otvoriti put budućim majstorima poput Đota. Tema i kompozicija Ovo umetničko delo prikazuje razapanje Isusa Hrista, centralnu temu hrišćanske umetnosti. Kompozicija prati tradicionalni krstasti…

Sveti Franja iz Asizije (detalj) by Чимабуе
4

Sveti Franja iz Asizije (detalj)

Akril na platnu

Cimabueovo delo „Sveti Franja iz Asizije (detalj)” nije samo prikaz religijske figure; to je dirljiva enkapsulacija naglog humanizma koji će ubrzo definisati italijanski renesans. Naslikana oko 1285–1290. godine, ova intimna scena hvata nežan trenutak – zagrljaj između Svetog Franje i mladog deteta, koji zrači gotovo opipljivim mirom. Ovo delo stoji kao ključni dokaz Cimabueove uloge u prebacivanju zapadne umetnosti iz rigidne formalnosti bizantijskog ikonografije ka prirodističijem i emocionalno rezonantnijem stilu.…

Bogorodična veličina (detalj) (1285) by Чимабуе
5

Bogorodična veličina (detalj)

1285 · Akril na platnu · Galerija Ufizi, Firenca

Pogled u božanstveno veličanstvo: Cimabueovo *Madonna u veličanstvu (detalj)* Ovaj prefinjeni detalj iz Cimabueovog dela *Madonna u veličanstvu*, nastalog 1285. godine, nudi očaravajući prozor u period tranzicije između vizantijske tradicije i rađajućeg renesansnog duha u italijanskoj umetnosti. Meren dimenzija 91 x 75 cm, ovaj fragment utelovljuje duhovnu žudnju i umetničku inovaciju svog vremena. Vizantijski koreni i rađajući realizam Cimabue (oko 1240–1302), rođen kao Cenni di Pepo u Firenci, predstavlja ključnu…

Bogorica u veličanstvenosti (detalj) (1285) by Чимабуе
6

Bogorica u veličanstvenosti (detalj)

1285 · Tempera na drvenoj podlozi · Galerija Ufizi, Firenca

Pogled u božanstvenu veličinu: Cimabuejeva *Madonna u veličanstvenosti* (detalj) Ovaj prefinjeni detalj Cimabuejevog dela *Madonna u veličanstvenosti*, nastalog 1285. godine, nudi očaravajući prozor u period tranzicije između vizantijske tradicije i rađajućeg renesansnog duha. Meren na svega 48 x 39 cm, ovaj panel – koji se trenutno čuva u prestižnoj galeriji Uffizi u Firenci – svoju malu veličinu nadmašuje ogromnom umetničkom snagom i istorijskim značajem. Tema i kompozicija Ovaj fragment fokusira…

Crucifix (1268) by Чимабуе
8

Crucifix

1268 · Tempera On Panel · San Domenico, Arezzo

In the heart of Italian art history, Giovanni Cimabue stands as a monumental figure, a master who skillfully navigated the artistic currents flowing from the rigid grandeur of the Byzantine Empire toward the burgeoning innovations of the early Renaissance. His Crucifix is not merely a religious icon; it is a profound testament to a period of transformative change. Painted with an unwavering determination that earned him the nickname “bull-ed,” Cimabue…

Apocalyptical Christ (detail) (1280) by Чимабуе
9

Apocalyptical Christ (detail)

1280 · Fresco

A Glimpse into the Divine: Cimabue’s *Apocalyptical Christ (detail)* Subject & Composition: This captivating detail, taken from Cimabue's monumental fresco *Apocalyptical Christ*, focuses on three majestic angels in dynamic flight. They surge upwards, seemingly bursting forth from the wall itself, their forms imbued with a sense of urgent announcement and celestial power. The composition is powerfully vertical, drawing the viewer’s eye heavenward. Style & Historical Context: Created around 1280 in…

Enthroned Madonna with Angels (1285) by Чимабуе
10

Enthroned Madonna with Angels

1285 · Fresco

In the quiet sanctity of the Pieve di Santa Maria in Arezzo, a masterpiece breathes with the weight of centuries. Giovanni Cimabue’s Enthroned Madonna with Angels is not merely a fresco; it is a profound threshold between two worlds. Executed around 1285, this monumental work serves as a luminous bridge between the rigid, formal elegance of the Byzantine tradition and the burgeoning humanism of the Italian Proto-Renaissance. To gaze upon…

Чимабуе, paintings 11 to 52

Crucifix (detail) (1268) by Чимабуе
#13

Crucifix (detail)

1268 · San Domenico

A Glimpse into Divine Sorrow: Cimabue’s *Crucifix (detail)* This exquisite detail from Cimabue's larger *Crucifix* (circa 1268) offers a profoundly moving encounter with the Virgin Mary and infant…

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St Luke (detail) (1280) by Чимабуе
#20

St Luke (detail)

1280

This captivating detail from Cimabue's fresco of St. Luke offers a profound window into a pivotal moment in art. Painted around 1280, the fragment focuses on St. Luke,…

Apocalyptical Christ (detail) (1280) by Чимабуе
#21

Apocalyptical Christ (detail)

1280

Apocalyptical Christ (detail) – A Byzantine Echo in Florentine Art The fresco depicting “Apocalyptical Christ” by Cimabue stands as an extraordinary testament to the artistic crossroads of the…

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Crucifix (1280) by Чимабуе
#23

Crucifix

1280

Cimabue's “Crucifix,” painted around 1283 in Florence, stands as a pivotal work not merely for its artistic merit but for its profound role in marking the transition from…

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Crucifix (detail) (1268) by Чимабуе
#24

Crucifix (detail)

1268 · San Domenico

Cimabue's “Crucifix (detail),” painted in 1268, is more than just a depiction of Christ on the cross; it’s a profound meditation on suffering and faith, a pivotal work…

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St Matthew (detail) (1280) by Чимабуе
#25

St Matthew (detail)

1280

A Florentine Pioneer: Exploring Cimabue’s St Matthew The painting “St Matthew,” attributed to Cimabue (c. 1240 – 1302), isn't merely a depiction of Saint Matthew; it represents a…

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St John (detail) (1280) by Чимабуе
#26

St John (detail)

1280

Cimabue's "St John" (detail), painted around 1280, offers more than just a portrait; it presents a profound meditation on faith, solitude, and the nascent shift in artistic sensibilities…

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St Matthew (detail) (1280) by Чимабуе
#27

St Matthew (detail)

1280

Giovanni Cimabue’s “St Matthew,” housed in detail within a monumental 450 x 900 cm tempera painting on poplar panel, represents an astonishing leap forward from the prevailing artistic…

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Crucifix (detail) (1268) by Чимабуе
#28

Crucifix (detail)

1268 · San Domenico

A Beacon of Early Renaissance Emotion: Cimabue’s Crucifix (Detail) Giovanni Cimabue, born Cenni di Pepo around 1240 in Florence, represents a pivotal moment in Western artistic evolution—a courageous…

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Virgin and Child by Чимабуе
#32

Virgin and Child

Cimabue’s “Virgin and Child,” dating from approximately 1280, is more than just a depiction of the Madonna and Child; it’s a profound statement of artistic transition. This painting,…

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Virgin and Child by Чимабуе
#34

Virgin and Child

A Dawn of Byzantine Grace: Exploring Cimabue’s Virgin and Child Giovanni Cimabue (c. 1240 – 1302), often hailed as “the Florentine Dawn,” stands as an undeniable cornerstone in…

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Virgin Enthroned with Angels (1290) by Чимабуе
#35

Virgin Enthroned with Angels

1290 · Luvr

A Dawn of Innovation: Cimabue’s Virgin Enthroned with Angels Giovanni Cimabue, born Cenni di Pepo around 1240 in Florence, represents a pivotal moment in the artistic landscape—a courageous…

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Saint Francis (1290) by Чимабуе
#37

Saint Francis

1290

A single standing figure occupies the vertical composition of this wooden panel. Clad in a heavy monastic habit, the saint is rendered with rhythmic, curving contours that define…

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Vision of the Throne (1277) by Чимабуе
#39

Vision of the Throne

1277

The composition of Vision of the Throne by Cimabue is organized through a hierarchical and symmetrical arrangement. At the center of the work, a luminous mandorla encloses a…

Miracle of Saint Peter (1277) by Чимабуе
#41

Miracle of Saint Peter

1277

The air within the Upper Basilica in Assisi feels heavy with the weight of centuries, yet the scene unfolding on the plaster remains startlingly immediate. In this late…

Vault of the Evangelists (1277) by Чимабуе
#42

Vault of the Evangelists

1277

To look upward within the Upper Church of San Francesco in Assisi is to encounter a ceiling that breathes with the weight of the late thirteenth century. The…

Dormition (1277) by Чимабуе
#43

Dormition

1277

The transept of the Upper Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi holds this fragmented fresco, a scene of profound solemnity. It captures the death of the Virgin Mary,…

Peter heals a lame man (1277) by Чимабуе
#44

Peter heals a lame man

1277

The religious fresco titled Peter heals a lame man was executed by the artist Cimabue. This work captures a moment of divine intervention, where the apostle reaches out…

Чимабуе's paintings by period

Florentine Dawn

1280 – 1284 · 3 works in this list

The subjects Чимабуе painted most

The four subjects that return most often among these masterpieces, with the finest example of each.

Where to see Чимабуе's paintings

The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Чимабуе Paintings from this list
Galerija Ufizi, FirencaGalerija Ufizi Firenca 5 Bogorodična veličina (detalj), Bogorica u veličanstvenosti (detalj), The Madonna in Majesty (Maestà)
San Domenico, ArezzoSan Domenico Arezzo 4 Crucifix, Crucifix (detail), Crucifix (detail)
Luvr, ParizLuvr Pariz 2 The Mocking of Christ, Virgin Enthroned with Angels
Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, FirencaMuseo dell'Opera di Santa Croce Firenca 1 Križ Cimabuea u Santa Croce
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, PizaMuseo dell'Opera del Duomo Piza 1 Christ Enthroned between the Virgin and St John the Evangelist (detail)
The Frick Collection, Њу ЈоркThe Frick Collection Њу Јорк 1 The Flagellation of Christ
Santa Maria dei Servi, BolonjaSanta Maria dei Servi Bolonja 1 Madonna Enthroned with the Child and Two Angels
National Gallery, LondonNational Gallery London 1 The Virgin and Child Enthroned with Two Angels

Чимабуе's most famous painting of each decade

  1. 1260s
    Crucifix (1268) by Чимабуе
    No. 8 of 52

    Crucifix

    Age 20 – 29 · San Domenico

    In the heart of Italian art history, Giovanni Cimabue stands as a monumental figure, a master who skillfully navigated the artistic currents flowing from the rigid grandeur of…

  2. 1270s
  3. 1280s
    Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) (1285) by Чимабуе
    No. 1 of 52

    Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta)

    Age 40 – 49

    Giovanni Cimabue’s “Madonna and Child Enthroned,” painted around 1285 in Florence, isn't merely a depiction of religious piety; it’s a pivotal moment in artistic evolution—a defiant whisper against…

  4. 1290s
    Virgin Enthroned with Angels (1290) by Чимабуе
    #35 of 52

    Virgin Enthroned with Angels

    Age 50 – 59 · Luvr

    A Dawn of Innovation: Cimabue’s Virgin Enthroned with Angels Giovanni Cimabue, born Cenni di Pepo around 1240 in Florence, represents a pivotal moment in the artistic landscape—a courageous…

  5. 1300s

Questions about Чимабуе's paintings

What is Чимабуе's most famous painting?Show the answer

Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) (1285). Next come The Mocking of Christ (1280) and Križ Cimabuea u Santa Croce (1287).

How old was Чимабуе when Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) was painted?Show the answer

45 years old: Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta) dates from 1285 and Чимабуе was born in 1240.

What are the top 10 paintings by Чимабуе?Show the answer

Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta), The Mocking of Christ, Križ Cimabuea u Santa Croce, Sveti Franja iz Asizije (detalj), Bogorodična veličina (detalj), Bogorica u veličanstvenosti (detalj), Crucifix, Crucifix, Apocalyptical Christ (detail) and Enthroned Madonna with Angels. The ranking above gives the year and the museum of each.

How many paintings did Чимабуе make?Show the answer

Our catalogue lists 52 works by Чимабуе, dated from 1268 to 1301.

Where are Чимабуе's most famous paintings?Show the answer

Most of them are in Galerija Ufizi (Firenca), San Domenico (Arezzo) and Luvr (Pariz). The table above lists the museums one by one.

When did Чимабуе paint the most famous works?Show the answer

In 1280s: 22 of the 52 works on this page date from then, among them Madonna and Child Enthroned (Maesta).

What are Чимабуе's earliest and latest famous paintings?Show the answer

The earliest on this page is Crucifix (1268), the latest Christ Enthroned between the Virgin and St John the Evangelist (detail) (1301).

What did Чимабуе paint most often?Show the answer

Medieval art (15), Angels (15) and Virgin mary (14), among the 52 works on this page.

What medium did Чимабуе use most?Show the answer

Acrylic On Canvas: 13 of the 52 works on this page.

Which art movement does Чимабуе belong to?Show the answer

Protorenesansa, as the paintings on this page show.

Which Чимабуе paintings can I see at the Galerija Ufizi?Show the answer

Bogorodična veličina (detalj), Bogorica u veličanstvenosti (detalj) and The Madonna in Majesty (Maestà) are among the 5 works on this page held by the Galerija Ufizi, Firenca.

Can I buy a reproduction of a Чимабуе painting?Show the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered as a museum-quality, hand-painted oil reproduction or a fine art print, in the size you choose, from the painting's own page.

About Чимабуе

Cimabue: Grandfather of the Italian Renaissance

Giovanni Cimabue, born Cenni di Pepo around 1240 in Florence, stands as a monumental figure—a bridge between the established artistic traditions of the Byzantine world and the burgeoning innovations that would define the Italian Renaissance. His life, though partially obscured by time and romanticized accounts – most notably those penned by Giorgio Vasari centuries later – marks an undeniable turning point in Western art history. Cimabue wasn’t simply a painter; he was a courageous innovator who dared to subtly challenge artistic conventions, laying the groundwork for the revolutionary changes that would soon sweep across Italy. Even his nickname, believed to mean “bull-headed,” hints at a strong will and perhaps a rebellious spirit—qualities demonstrably present in his willingness to experiment with form and expression. He represents a crucial moment where art began to shift from being solely devotional imagery towards something more humanistic and emotionally resonant.

Early Influences and Artistic Development

Initially immersed in the Italo-Byzantine style prevalent throughout Florence, Cimabue’s early work adhered closely to established aesthetic principles: flattened figures adorned with shimmering gold leaf, symbolic rather than realistic depictions of space, and a profound focus on religious iconography. However, even within these constraints, a nascent desire for naturalism began to emerge. He wasn't content merely replicating existing forms; he sought to imbue his paintings with a greater sense of life and emotional depth. While the precise nature of his early training remains debated, it’s likely he honed his skills within Florentine workshops, absorbing the techniques and influences of the time while simultaneously developing his own unique artistic voice. The Byzantine style, characterized by its formality and spiritual focus, provided him with a solid foundation, but Cimabue began to subtly introduce elements that would foreshadow the coming Renaissance—a greater attention to volume, more expressive facial features, and a nascent understanding of spatial relationships. This wasn’t a sudden break from tradition, but rather a gradual evolution, a delicate balancing act between honoring the past and embracing new possibilities.

The Maestro's Vision: Giotto and Beyond

Despite Cimabue’s untimely demise in 1302—leaving behind scant biographical details—his influence on subsequent generations of artists is undeniable. Most notably, he mentored Giotto di Bondone, arguably the first true Renaissance Master. Vasari recounts a legendary tale – one that captures the spirit of their relationship – wherein Cimabue playfully painted a fly onto Giotto’s face, symbolizing his surpassing brilliance. This anecdote underscores not only Cimabue's generosity as a teacher but also the dynamic tension between mentor and pupil—a rivalry fueled by mutual respect and culminating in Giotto’s triumph over his predecessor. Cimabue’s artistic innovations extended beyond Giotto’s training; he challenged the conventions of his time, demonstrating that art could transcend mere symbolism and express profound human emotion. His willingness to experiment with form, proportion, and color paved the way for the groundbreaking achievements of the Renaissance—establishing him as a pivotal transitional figure in Western art history.

Notable Works: A Legacy of Innovation

Cimabue’s artistic output is characterized by remarkable stylistic diversity, reflecting his evolving understanding of artistic principles throughout his career. The *Maestà*, commissioned for the Church of San Francesco in Pisa around 1280, stands as a testament to Cimabue's mastery of composition and color—a bold departure from the rigid Byzantine aesthetic that dominated earlier medieval painting. Unlike its predecessors, the *Maestà* achieves a palpable sense of depth and volume, conveying an emotional resonance previously absent from devotional art. The figures are rendered with meticulous detail, capturing subtle nuances of expression and embodying a newfound appreciation for human anatomy. This monumental altarpiece signaled Cimabue’s embrace of Renaissance ideals—a shift toward naturalism and psychological realism that would profoundly reshape the artistic landscape of Italy. Similarly impressive is *The Crucifixion*, executed circa 1270 for the Basilica of San Domenico in Arezzo. Cimabue's depiction of Christ on the cross represents a decisive step away from Byzantine conventions—characterized by stylized figures and distant perspectives. The artist skillfully employs shading to imbue the crucified figure with flesh-like plasticity, conveying the agony of suffering with remarkable sensitivity. Furthermore, Cimabue’s masterful use of color enhances the dramatic impact of the scene—creating a visual experience that transcends mere representation and engages the viewer emotionally. Finally, Cimabue's contribution to Florentine art is cemented through his involvement in the decoration of the Baptistery of Florence – specifically the mosaic depicting Saint John the Evangelist completed between 1301 and 1302. This monumental artwork exemplifies Cimabue’s artistic prowess as a mosaicist—demonstrating his ability to integrate intricate geometric patterns with vibrant colors—creating a visually stunning masterpiece that continues to inspire awe and admiration centuries later. Cimabue's legacy endures not merely as an artist but as a catalyst for change—a visionary who ushered in the dawn of the Renaissance, forever altering the course of Western art history.

All 52 works by Чимабуе →