The artwork, titled “Descent into Hell,” was created by the artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311. Executed in tempera on wood, this religious painting belongs to the Proto Renaissance art movement and is part of the larger “Maesta” series.
The scene depicted in the artwork is a dramatic biblical representation of Christ’s descent into hell, as He extends His hand to Adam, shown with white hair and a beard, who is flanked by other figures from the Old Testament. Christ, adorned with a halo, is garbed in intricately detailed robes of red and black with gold accents, symbolizing His divine and regal nature. He stands triumphantly over a defeated figure that represents Satan, illustrating His victory over sin and death. The backdrop features a dark cavern, symbolizing hell, from which Christ leads the figures out into the light. The expressions and gestures of the figures reflect a profound sense of reverence and liberation. The composition is rich with symbolic detail characteristic of Duccio’s masterful narrative style.
