December 9 - A History of Art - Maesta by Duccio Di Buoninsegna

Duccio Di Buoninsegna was from Siena, a city that had a great cultural rivalry with its close neighbor, Florence. As Italian art moved away from the Byzantine style, the Sienese school turned toward a decorative, almost courtly art, based on Byzantine traditions, but marked by its use of color and attention to detail.

The Maesta (meaning Majesty) was commissioned in 1308and was installed in Siena Cathedral in 1311. It was one of the largest panel paintings ever made in Italy.

In the first image above, you can see the whole panel. It portrays the Madonna and Child surrounded with saints. Around the and on the back are smaller scenes showing dramatic narratives from the life of Christ.

The second image shows a close up of Madonna and child. Look how old of a face they put on the Baby Jesus. Perhaps designed to symbolize his wisdom or perhaps, just the style of the time.