Madonna and Child on a throne (Front side fragment) 1311

This is a fragment of the iconic "Madonna and Child on a Throne" by Duccio, a prominent Italian artist from Siena who worked during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This tempera on wood panel, painted in 1311, displays a striking detail of Saint John the Baptist, a prominent figure in Christian art. He is depicted with his signature long hair and beard, holding a cross as a symbol of his role as a precursor to Jesus Christ. The realism and emotional depth of this piece are characteristic of Duccio's masterful artistry, marking a pivotal moment in the transition from Byzantine to Early Renaissance art.