Pentecost

The Bible tells how, 50 days after the Crucifixion, Christ's followers were gathered in a house in Jerusalem when a strong wind blew and flames like tongues of fire settled on their heads. Here each apostle has a small forked flame, painted over his gold halo, and the white dove of the Holy Ghost hangs under the central gable. Its gilded rays were once much longer and stood out from the surface. Below, a low wall shuts out the crowd, and two young men on either side of the central gate lean in, straining to hear. The National Gallery gives the panel to Giotto and his workshop, probably around 1310 to 1318. He seems to have painted most of it himself, perhaps leaving the hands to assistants. It was the last of seven scenes from the life of Christ on one long altar panel.