The artwork, entitled “Descent from the Cross,” was created by the artist Duccio between the years 1308 and 1311. Executed in wood and tempera, this piece is part of the Proto Renaissance art movement and falls within the genre of religious painting. It is included in the series known as “Maesta.”
In this poignant scene, Duccio depicts the moment when Christ is taken down from the cross after his crucifixion. The figures are portrayed with a somber dignity, capturing the grief and solemnity of the event. The emotional expressions and delicate handling of fabric illustrate Duccio’s mastery in conveying human emotion and divine pathos. The composition is carefully constructed, with each figure playing a pivotal role in the narrative, contributing to the overall balance and harmony of the scene. The use of gold leaf highlights creates a luminous backdrop, elevating the spiritual significance of this moment in Christian iconography.
