Giotto and the circle

Giotto was one of the earliest painters of the Italian Renaissance period.He died in 1337.

When the Pope wanted to find artists to work for him, he sent messengers to get samples of work (portfolios) from every likely artist. In this way the Pope could judge for himself how good they were.

Giotto refused to give the messengers any of his paintings. Instead he drew a perfect circle and told the messengers to take it to the Pope.

The messengers were a little startled but the Pope was impressed and guessed that only an artist of great skill could have drawn so perfect a circle.

Giotto got the job.