The artwork titled “Christ Appearing to Mary,” created by the artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311, is a prominent piece from the Proto Renaissance movement. This work, crafted using tempera on wood, measures 51 x 57 cm and is part of the “Maesta” series. The genre of this painting is religious, depicting a significant biblical moment.
The artwork features a scene with Christ and Mary set against a rugged landscape. On the left, Mary is depicted kneeling and reaching out, clothed in a vivid red cloak that contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the background. Her posture and facial expression convey a sense of reverence and desperation. On the right, Christ stands serenely, holding a cross-staff draped in a flag. He is adorned with a blue and red robe, his head encircled by a golden halo. The setting includes rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and two trees that frame the figures, all rendered in a style characteristic of the Proto Renaissance, with an emphasis on stylized forms and rich colors. The use of gold leaf in the background adds a divine and ethereal quality to the scene, typical of Duccio’s works in this period.
