The artwork, entitled “Christ on the Road to Emmaus (Fragment),” was created by the artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311. Executed in the medium of tempera on wood, this piece is a quintessential example of the Proto-Renaissance art movement. Classified as a religious painting, it forms part of the larger series known as the “Maestà .”
In this fragment, Duccio captures a significant biblical moment involving the resurrected Christ and two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus. The figures are meticulously rendered with a delicate use of tempera, displaying a nuanced interplay of colors and textures. The background, characterized by its gold leaf, enhances the divine atmosphere, setting the spiritual tone of the scene. The detailed expressions and postures of the figures evoke a profound sense of narrative and emotion, which is emblematic of Duccio’s mastery in conveying religious themes. The use of halos around the heads of the figures indicates their sanctity, a common feature in religious iconography of the period.
