“Apostle Matthias,” created by Duccio between 1308 and 1311, is a religious painting crafted using tempera on wood. Part of the “Maesta” series, this artwork belongs to the Proto Renaissance art movement.
The artwork depicts a solemn image of Apostle Matthias adorned with a detailed and expressive facial portrait showing a well-groomed beard and a contemplative expression. His attire is characterized by flowing robes painted in rich tones of red and green, with a roll or scroll held in his hand. The background features a gold-leaf finish that signals the saint’s sanctity and spiritual illumination, characteristic of the religious artwork of this period. The meticulous application of tempera on wood demonstrates Duccio’s skillful technique and contributes to the painting’s luminous quality.
