DUCCIO di Buoninsegna
(b. ca. 1255, Siena, d. 1319, Siena)

Burial of the Virgin (panel 8)

1308-11
Tempera on wood, 41 x 55 cm
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena

This scene is on one of the front crowning panels of the Maestà.

In the burial scene the background of deeply indented rocks with small leafy trees evokes the valley of Jehoshaphat where the burial took place. The disciples, grouped quietly round the tomb in attitudes of tender affection, show their heartfelt participation in the sad event, particularly the person on the left who is lifting his hand to his mouth in grief.

The composition is strongly reminiscent of the scene depicting Christ's entombment.