The masterpiece of the Sienese artist
Duccio di Buoninsegna is not only one of the greatest representatives of the 14th-century Sienese school, considered one of the most advanced in Italy, he’s also one of the most admired and celebrated artists of the entire Gothic period. These were just some of the reasons why he was commissioned to paint ‘La Maestà del Duomo’, depicting the Virgin seated on a throne and surrounded by angels and saints, a work destined for the high altar of Siena Cathedral.
When it was completed, 1308, the work became part of the celebration of the Virgin Mary project that was initiated a few years earlier with the stained glass window in the apse, also by Duccio. This Marian theme was completed with four other altarpieces commissioned from Bartolomeo Bulgarini, Simone Martini and the two Lorenzetti brothers.
A laborious work of art that took three years to complete, which lead to Duccio producing incredibly complex iconographies. To inaugurate the masterpiece that was later placed in the cathedral, a solemn procession was organised in which other workshops participated and closed for the event. This event is symbolic of both the civil and religious value of the piece, but above all of the greatness of Siena.
The altarpiece is now divided into individual panels, as in 1711 it was decided to dismantle it in order to make two more altarpieces to be placed above two minor altars in the cathedral. Some slabs have even been kept in other museums, one in the British Museum in London It’s a work of art that has aroused great interest from all over the world, so much so that it’s considered one of the most significant celebrations of beauty of the promise of happiness.
Duccio di Buoninsegna managed to combine tradition and modernity in a single work, respecting the canons and conventions of the time and making the figures he drew more human and tangible, thanks to a skilful use of colour
The work is now kept in the Opera del Duomo Museum and can be accessed during museum opening hours.
Opening hours:
Until 31 March: 10:30 – 17:30
1 April – 31 October: 09.30 – 19.30
Contact details:
Tel. 0577 286300
email: opasiena@operalaboratori.com
website: www.operaduomo.siena.it
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