Entry into Jerusalem

The fresco depicts Christ entering Jerusalem. According to the Bible, this scene fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah (9:9): “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! Your king comes to you, victorious and righteous, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Christ is shown in side profile, a style that some historians consider a noble way of representing a figure, similar to how important individuals were depicted on Roman coins. Since Giotto was unfamiliar with the actual architecture of Jerusalem, he painted the city’s archway based on his own interpretation. We see people express joy at the arrival of Jesus, believed to be the promised Messiah. Some are shown removing their cloaks and laying them down, while others climb trees to catch a better view, emphasizing the excitement and reverence surrounding his entrance.