Duccio di Buoninsegna, often simply known as Duccio, was a prominent painter active during the late 13th and early 14th centuries in Siena, Italy. His work is considered pivotal in the transition from medieval to Renaissance art, marking him as one of the founders of the Sienese School of painting.
Little is known about Duccio's early life, including his exact birth and death dates, although it is believed he was born around 1255-1260. He was likely influenced by Byzantine art, which was prevalent in Siena at the time, and by the works of Cimabue from Florence.
Duccio's style is characterized by:
Duccio significantly influenced later Sienese artists like Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. His work helped to pave the way for the Renaissance, particularly in how he began to break away from the strictures of Byzantine iconography towards a more humanistic portrayal of religious subjects.
Over the years, Duccio's works have been part of various exhibitions aimed at showcasing the evolution of art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Conservation efforts, especially on the Maestà, have been undertaken to preserve these invaluable pieces of art history.