Description
The Maestà of Siena Cathedral is the monumental altarpiece Duccio di Buoninsegna created with workshop assistance for the cathedral’s high altar. Painted on both sides, it presents the Virgin and Child surrounded by angels and saints on the front and twenty-six episodes of Christ’s Passion on the reverse. Its documented history runs from 1308 to 1311.
The altarpiece was carried to the cathedral in a solemn procession on 9 June 1311. Later alterations and dismantling scattered some smaller panels, while the main painted sections survive in Siena’s Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. An inscription on the Virgin’s throne asks for peace for Siena and life for Duccio. Catherine of Alexandria, Paul, John the Evangelist, John the Baptist, Peter and Agnes stand among the other holy figures.






