Final answer:
Giotto's Enthroned Madonna is considered naturalistic due to the lifelike depiction of figures, use of expressive features, foreshortening, and chiaroscuro, which marked a departure from the stylized Byzantine tradition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why is Giotto's Enthroned Madonna naturalistic?
Giotto's Enthroned Madonna is considered naturalistic primarily because the figures are depicted in a lifelike manner. This is a break from the Byzantine tradition, which was more stylized and less focused on realistic human form and emotion. Instead, Giotto brought to life the characters through expressive figures, use of foreshortening, and chiaroscuro techniques. These methods helped to create depth and a sense of three-dimensionality, diverging from the flatness of previous art styles. Naturalism in this context refers more to the realistic representation of human figures and less to elements like vibrant colors or detailed landscapes, which can also be present in non-naturalistic paintings.
Furthermore, other artists like Cimabue and Duccio began moving towards naturalism, as seen in the more lifelike proportions and shading in their work compared to earlier Byzantine art. Artists following Giotto, such as Masaccio, expanded on these naturalistic techniques by including even more realistic elements like linear and atmospheric perspective and directional light. The trend towards naturalism continued to evolve during the Renaissance period, as demonstrated by artists like Raphael and Leonardo, who combined naturalistic representation with ideal beauty and grace to convey divinity.