The artwork, titled “Mockery of Christ,” was created by the artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311. Crafted on wood using tempera, it belongs to the Proto Renaissance art movement and falls within the religious painting genre. It is part of the larger series known as the Maesta.
The artwork captures a poignant moment from the Passion of Christ, depicting the scene where Jesus is subject to humiliation and mockery. Jesus is centrally seated, rendered with a halo, symbolizing his divine nature, and clad in a robe that emphasizes his significance. Surrounding Him are various figures, including soldiers and commoners, depicted in dynamic postures as they mockingly display gestures of derision and kneel in false homage, underscoring the scene’s cruelty. The architectural backdrop, with its classical columns and intricate details, enhances the solemn and historical gravitas of the scene. Dominating hues of red and earth tones evoke an intense emotional atmosphere, characteristic of Duccio’s style in the Proto Renaissance period. The facial expressions and gestures of the figures are meticulously detailed, conveying the mocking and scornful attitudes towards Christ, while the overall composition directs the viewer’s focus towards the central figure of Jesus, emphasizing the theme of suffering and sacrifice inherent to the series.
