Duccio’s MaestàEssay - 1449 Words

In the early Renaissance era Florence and Siena were rivals in many aspects. The Battle of Montaperti was fought between the two in September of 1260. After their triumph over Florence, Siena used the monetary winnings for the building of the Palazzo Pubblico to serve the city in governmental, spiritual and social needs; it was comparable to the basilicas in ancient Rome in this aspect. The Palazzo Pubblico (fig. 1) was also made to compete with Florence’s already constructed Palazzo della Signoria1 (fig. 2). The city also focused the new funds on the elaboration of the cathedral interior (fig. 3). In 1308, Duccio di Buoninsegna was hired for this reason. Duccio completed the requested polyptych, or multipaneled, altarpiece three years†¦show more content†¦The people saw a painting of Mary as a path of communication. The people of Siena, now visually inspired to pray for the well-being and peace of the city, were ecstatic at the sight of the finished altarpiece. The c itizens of Siena were not alone in their high regards of St. Mary. Duccio includes his signature of praise in the base of the Virgin’s throne: â€Å"Holy Mother of God, be the cause of peace to Siena, and of life to Duccio because he has painted you thus.† Duccio used his talent as a type of praise, painting as a form of worship. He hoped for the favor of his patron saint in return for the labor expended in creation of the Maestà  . Duccio’s Maestà   towered over six feet and consisted of fifty-five framed panels painted with egg-based tempera. Madonna Enthroned, the largest section of the entire structure, dominated the front plane of the altarpiece. The same side was comprised of scenes of the life of Mary from Annunciation to her death (fig. 4). The reverse side compiled the life of Christ into 42 separate panels from the Baptism of Christ to events occurring after Resurrection (fig. 5). Many ages of art shine through Duccio’s portraying of Mary in M adonna Enthroned (fig. 6). Both being trained in the Greek manner, Duccio’s version of Siena’s patron saint is comparable to Cimabue’s Enthroned Madonna and Child with Angels and Prophets from the year 1280 2 (fig. 7). Duccio, however, took a softerShow MoreRelatedThe Most Famous Work Of Art1053 Words   |  5 Pagespainter, active in the city of Siena. His most famous work of art is the Maesta Altarpiece located in the Cathedral of Siena. At that time, Siena was very competitive with Florence. The greatest Florentine painter was Giotto di Bondone. He was a couple years younger than Duccio. Giotto’s crowning achievement is a series of fresco murals painted in the Arena Chapel. Duccio and Giotto were two astonishing artists. Duccio’s Maesta and Giotto’s fresco painting in the Arena Chapel both tell us a narrativeRead MoreEssay about The Role of the Church in the Renaissance1773 Words   |  8 Pagesmethods of worship and partly as guarantees of salvation. Most large-scale architecture and paintings were religious in nature. Three religious works of art of this time period that best reflect the role of the Church are Giotto’s Arena Chapel, Duccio’s Maestà  , and Masaccio’s Trinity. Giotto is considered the first artist to be fully immersed in the Renaissance, and the man who truly brought the Renaissance to Florence. He learned from the skills and progress of the artists before him and took theirRead MoreDuccio di Buoninsegnas Madonna and Child1537 Words   |  7 Pagesthat the painting is foreshadowing the death of Jesus Christ. In addition, the burns of the side of the frame peaked my interest, as to why they were there. Art critics were also interested in this work they even consider Madonna and Child one of Duccio’s perfect works, and it said to be worth all the other paintings exhibited under the name of Duccio (Christiansen 14). The Madonna and Child painting’s iconography, imagery, emotional appeal to the viewers, and meaning all make this painting still