Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna vs Simone Martini
Both Italian artists lived in the late middle ages and beginning of the Renaissance period. They have contributed to same Sienese School, with different artistic approaches but with Maestà we can compare and contrast them:
Maestà: a depiction of someone enthroned, usually the Virgin and the child surrounded by angels and saints.
Duccio di Buoninsegna’s Maestà of Siena is polyptych altarpiece with a central panel depicting the Virgin Mary and Child enthroned. The composition is traditional and hierarchical arrangement can be seen. Duccio’s style is characterised by a Byzantine influence, with an attention to symbolic representation and gold leaf backgrounds. The colors are more vivid. The expression of figures, the calm aura, facial representations are emphasizing the spiritual and heavenly nature of the subjects. The painting shows Paradise. The patron saints of Siena are beseeching the Virgin to protect Siena.
This altarpiece is known for its;
size & complexity
unified action in the central panel
narrative predella
From left to right in order the saints kneeling to the Virgin Mary and the Child are named,
Ansanus, Savinus, Crescentius and Victor
It is known that signatures in artworks are started to come up from the Romanesque period, here we can see at the bottom of the throne, Duccio adds himself with a line says, “Holy Mother of God be the cause of peace for Siena and of life for Duccio, as he painted you so”.
Overall, Duccio’s buildings are well organized despite some incoherences. Rooms and spaces do not play a crucial role for the narrative. 54 episodes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin. The episodes focusing on the Virgin are given in the front. Maestà seen as a symbol of protection for the government of Siena.
Siena: “City of the Virgin.” Why ? Virgin Mary appears on the seal of Siena starting from 1252.
Simone Martini’s Maestà as the one in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, also features the Madonna and Child at the center but with a more dynamic composition. The figures are given in a sense of movement and grace. His style is more Gothic, the Virgin Mary is dressed as a 14th century Gothic Queen. The intricate clothing details and vibrant use of color represents the International Gothic style. The figures are showing a greater degree of emotion and expression. The illustration of the Virgin and Child is more natural, earthly and capturing an intimate moment. Simone Martini incorporated elements of the emerging Gothic style and his work reflects a certain sophistication.
Differences than Duccio’s Maestà:
Saints and angels support a canopy emblazoned with civic insignia.
Civic insigna are also inserted in the frame of the painting (not displayed here).
Two angels bow in front of the Virgin’s throne, presenting her with offerings.
The Virgin is dressed as a 14th century queen, and her throne is Gothic.
Inscriptions describe the Virgin’s response to the prayers of the patron saints.
The Christ holds a manuscript says that, “Cherish Justice, you that are the judges of the earth” (Wisdom 1:1)
Note: Simone Martini likely to be trained by Duccio di Buoninsegna due to high similarities in depicting faces.
