The artwork, titled “Apostle Philip,” was created by the artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311. Executed using tempera on wood, this piece is a fine example of the Proto Renaissance movement and belongs to the religious painting genre. It is part of the larger series known as the “Maesta.”
The artwork depicts Saint Philip, one of Christ’s apostles, rendered with a gentle expression that conveys both solemnity and serenity. The background is gilded, emphasizing the divine and holy nature of the subject. Philip is presented holding a book, a common attribute symbolizing his role in spreading the gospel. His clothing is rendered in soft, flowing lines, typical of Duccio’s style, which combines Byzantine iconographic elements with early Renaissance naturalism. The background has inscriptions in a solemn, dark tone, identifying Saint Philip. The painting’s surface shows the passage of time, with visible cracks and wear, adding to its historic and aesthetic value.
