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

This fragment of Duccio's "Madonna and Child on a Throne" presents an angel, meticulously crafted in tempera on wood. Immediately, the soft, luminous flesh tones draw the eye, contrasted against the rich, patterned fabrics and the halo's gilded surface. The angel's gaze, directed off to the side, creates a sense of ethereal detachment, emphasized by the delicate lines and subtle gradations of color used to define the facial features. Duccio's approach reflects a semiotic system where specific visual elements, like the halo, signify holiness. The flatness of the composition, typical of its time, paradoxically enhances the dimensionality of the figure. It is not just a portrayal of an angel, but an exploration of form, light, and the semiotic power of visual symbols.