Maestà (detail)
by DUCCIO di Buoninsegna, Tempera on wood
In this depiction, the Child is neither making a gesture of benediction nor turning towards his mother but is silently watching the faithful. Duccio has painted the Christ Child’s garment in an especially elaborate and opulent way. The technical perfection of the painting is particularly apparent in the transparent undergarment, which allows the finely modelled body of the Child to shine through.