This
scene gives an opportunity to examine one of the most important of Giotto's
innovations. Although the mastery of the method of representing the third dimension
is of fundamental importance, there are other innovations which are no less
significant to the development of Western painting. Among these must be included
the use of eloquent gesture, the communication of strong emotions through attitude
and facial expression, In the Renunciation of Worldly Goods, St Francis' father
expresses his anger in his grimace, in his gesture of lifting the hem of his
gown (as if he were about to dash at his son), and in his clenched fist; the
effect is heightened by the gesture of his friend, who holds him back by the
arm. Within the limits of the dignity and self-restraint that Giotto impresses
on all his characters, the father's anger is expressed clearly and vividly.
