Artwork 1
Early Christian, Jewish, and Byzantine (306–1453) Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George, St. Catherine's Monastery, Sinai, …show more content…
Maesta Altarpiece (1308-11). (n.d.) Maesta is from the Italian word “in majesty” that is known as Madonna and Child Enthroned with Angels and Saints) Maesta Altarpiece (1308-11). (n.d.) This piece is a two sided horizontal style wooden screen designed for the Siena Cathedral. This piece was painted using the Byzantine style of art. This composition of this piece follows the traditions of the Proto-Renaissance period. Maesta Altarpiece (1308-11). (n.d.). This piece shows the Virgin and Child in majesty and surrounded by saints and a host of angels. Shown above and below of the main scenes are the Life of Christ and the Virgin, along with figures of Saints. It was known that the 26 main scenes were only visible to a priest. The 26 religious scenes from the passion are listed as, Life of Christ, including: the Annunciation; Isaiah; the Nativity; Ezekiel; the Adoration of the Magi; Solomon; the Presentation in the Temple; Malachi; the Slaughter of the Innocents; Jeremiah; the Flight into Egypt; Hosea; the Disputation with the Doctors; Temptation on the Temple, the Temptation on the Mount, the Calling of Peter and Andrew, the Wedding at Cana, Christ and the Samaritan, the Healing of the Blind Man, the Transfiguration and the Resurrection of Lazarus. Maesta Altarpiece (1308-11). (n.d.). It is viewed on …show more content…
1200–1600)
Duccio di Buoninsegna, Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints or The Maestà, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Siena, Italy
When this painting is viewed, you are able to see more than 4 saints. These saints appear to be in a more comfortable place than the first piece. I see the saints admiring the Virgin and the child rather than guarding the Virgin and the child in the first piece. Even though they both seemed to be religious, this piece looks like they are at an event to meet the Virgin and Christ. The age of the child looks to be older than the first piece. In this piece everyone has a hat on except the Virgin. This piece was painted (ca. 1200-1600) which was a different time period than the first piece.
Although these two masterpieces were found, most of the byzantine art work did not survive. Pieces like these were opposed by religious and imperial authorities. It was the destruction of religious icons. It was believed by Christians that these types of art were offensive and went against the second