Duccio di Buoninsegna - Parting from St John (detail) - WGA06726

Duccio di Buoninsegna (c.1255–1260–c.1318–1319) was an Italian painter of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. He is considered one of the most influential artists of the Sienese school, a style of painting that emerged in Siena, Italy, during the 13th and 14th centuries. Duccio's exact birth and death dates are not well-documented, but he is believed to have been born around 1255 in Siena. He was active as a painter during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Duccio's style marked a transition from the stylized Byzantine art that was prevalent in Italy during the Middle Ages to the more naturalistic and expressive forms of the Renaissance. One of Duccio's most famous works is the "Maestà" (1308-1311), a large altarpiece created for the Siena Cathedral. The Maestà depicts the Virgin and Child enthroned, surrounded by angels and saints. It is known for its intricate details, rich color palette, and a sense of spirituality. The reverse side of the Maestà features scenes from the life of Christ. Duccio's contributions to the development of Sienese painting and the transition to the Renaissance were significant. His work laid the foundation for later artists, and his influence can be seen in the art of subsequent generations in Siena and beyond.