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

Parting from the Apostles (panel 3)

1308-11
Tempera on wood, 42 x 54 cm
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena

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

In the Parting from the Apostles the spatial element is harmoniously articulated by the slender pillar in the foreground which, respecting the distribution of characters, divides the room into two. The prominent figure of the standing apostle, identified as Paul, is clearly outlined against the dark space formed by the open door, balancing the horizontal image of Mary.