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

The Three Marys at the Tomb (detail)

1308-11
Tempera on wood
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena

The women are portrayed in attitudes of wonder and fear; their delicate backwards movement and gesticulating hands show their astonishment at the sudden apparition.

The composition of this group of women is probably based directly on classical motifs such as the female robed figures on Roman or early Christian sarcophagi. Sculptures by Giovanni Pisano have almost certainly also played a role as prototypes.




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