The artwork titled “The Apostle Thaddeus” was created by the artist Duccio between 1308 and 1311. This piece is crafted using tempera on wood and is a part of the Proto Renaissance art movement. Classified within the genre of religious painting, the artwork is also a constituent of the “Maesta” series.
The artwork portrays Saint Thaddeus, also known as Jude, depicted in an emotionally expressive and delicate style characteristic of Duccio’s oeuvre. The saint is adorned in a robe with rich folds, emphasizing his solemn dignity and spiritual depth. He holds a stylized book, a common symbol of apostolic authority and evangelism, while a faint halo surrounds his head, signifying his sanctity. The background features a gold leaf that provides a divine and ethereal backdrop, magnifying the spiritual essence of the subject. The work exhibits Duccio’s mastery in blending Byzantine iconography with the emerging naturalism of the Proto Renaissance, exemplifying both intricate detail and a profound sense of reverence.
