The artwork titled “Madonna and Child on a Throne (Front side fragment)” was created by the renowned artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311. Executed in tempera on wood, this piece belongs to the Proto Renaissance movement and falls within the genre of religious painting. It is part of the illustrious “Maesta” series.
The fragment depicts a close-up of a serene and somewhat ethereal face, adorned with delicately painted details. The subject, likely an angel or a saint, is characterized by soft, subtle shading and a contemplative expression, set against a richly patterned gold background, indicative of Duccio’s masterful use of tempera to achieve both depth and luminosity. The artwork epitomizes the stylistic transition from Byzantine to Italian Gothic art, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of human emotion and divine presence. The intricate details and the halo encircling the head further emphasize the sacred nature of the depiction, making it a profound example of early religious artistry.
