The artwork titled “Mockery of Christ (Fragment)” was created by the artist Duccio between the years 1308 and 1311. Executed on wood with tempera, this piece belongs to the Proto Renaissance art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting. It is part of Duccio’s larger series known collectively as the “Maesta”.
The artwork vividly depicts a poignant moment of his religious theme, characterized by its vibrant color palette and delicate application of tempera on a wooden panel. At the center of the composition sits Christ, denoted by his serene yet sorrowful expression and the golden halo signifying his holiness. Surrounding him is a group of figures, their faces marked by various expressions of mockery and scorn. The use of rich reds and golds, alongside the intricate detailing of garments, highlights Duccio’s skillful craftsmanship and his contribution to the evolution of Renaissance art. This fragment showcases both the narrative intensity and the technical prowess distinctive of the Proto Renaissance period.