Conférence "Matteo Giovannetti en Avignon"

The installation of the papacy in Avignon in the early 14th century, which lasted until the early 15th century, was a major geopolitical event in Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. It had major repercussions for the arts, as the presence of the Pope and his entourage generated a great deal of activity in this area. One of the most telling examples of this development was Simone Martini's move to Avignon in 1340, where he died four years later.

The example of Matteo Giovanetti is another illustration of this phenomenon. Born in Viterbo around 1300, Giovanetti was to become one of the key players in the "Avignon School". Mentioned in the city as early as 1343, he took part in the decoration of the Garde-robe tower in the Palais des Papes. From 1344 onwards, he became famous for his frescoes in the chapel of Saint-Martial, then in the chapel of Saint-Jean in the same residence. He also executed other paintings (many of which no longer survive), including a cycle for a chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist in the Carthusian monastery of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

Giovanetti's art blends his Italian nature with French influences in a balanced way, giving his work a particular twist and flavour, part of the international Gothic style.