Madonna and Child (Duccio) - Aesthetic Influences

Aesthetic Influences

Many other elements of Duccio’s interest in humanism are prevalent and can be seen in the tenderly draped robe worn by the Madonna and on Christ’s lap, the childish reach of his hand to the Virgin’s somewhat austere gaze back as she anticipates Christ’s future, the luminous colors employed to the garments, and the fine details found on the inner layer of the Virgin’s veil. It is these distinct qualities that would shape the sensibility of later Sienese painting and that give Duccio’s Madonna and Child such worthy attention and credibility in the history of art. Other details found in this image are ones that stay behind in Byzantine tradition and characterize earlier works of Duccio, while the more innovative qualities prosper overtime. The details in the gold background are minute and difficult to notice at a far glance but add an important element to the iconicism of the image. Punched designs were employed for the halos and the border design, all of which were hand inscribed.