An Artwork Highlight of the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Duccio’s Madonna and Child
02 October 2010
<!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> This 14th century panel painting by Italian artist Duccio di Buoninsegna is a depiction of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Despite this work’s small size, at 27.9 × 21 cm, it represents a pivotal transition in European painting ideals from the Medieval to the Renaissance period by portraying Mary and Jesus as mother and son versus their later portrayal as deities. The painting is a recent addition to the Met Museum’s permanent collection and has become one of its prized masterpieces. It was purchased for an undisclosed amount in excess of $45 million USD. Prior to its purchase by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it was the last known Duccio painting to be privately held.