Entry into Jerusalem (Fragment) 1311

Duccio painted this fragment of ‘Entry into Jerusalem’ around the early 14th century. It's a complex scene, made of layered figures and architectural features done in egg tempera on wood panel. The painting is built around the figure of Christ, set off-centre and dressed in bright contrasting colours. His blue robe and red tunic draw the eye, framing his poised gesture, directing our gaze. Note the way Duccio plays with perspective. The figures in the foreground are larger, more detailed than those behind, creating a sense of depth. Yet, the architectural backdrop feels somewhat flattened, almost like a stage set. The artist seems less interested in realistic space and more focused on arranging figures within the pictorial plane to emphasize their symbolic importance. Duccio's work sits at a fascinating intersection, bridging medieval conventions with emerging Renaissance interests in naturalism. Here, the use of gold leaf and symbolic colours ties it to the past, yet the attention to human expression hints at a new era. Together these elements invite us to consider the shifts in artistic values and cultural expressions.