WELCOME FRIENDS, FAMILY & FACULTY!

This blog is an art history experiment for our Italian Renaissance travel course. We hope that you, our visitors, will not only take some time to read about what we are studying, but will ALSO feel free to make comments or ask us questions...especially after we see (most of) these things in person. As we travel, we will offer personal reflections on our experiences. After we fly out on the 17th, follow us as we visit Rome (May 18-20), Florence (20-24), and Venice (24-25). We return on Thursday, May 26...just in time for the holiday weekend.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Rucellai Madonna, Duccio

Duccio di Buoninsegna (active 1278-1318)
•Dimensions: 14’ 9 1/8” X 9’ 6 1/8”
Commisioned in 1285 by, the Society of the Virgin Mary, a group founded to combat heresy
Was commonly known as the Laudesi, after the Lauds, or hymns of praise they sang to the virgin mother
Now known as the Rucellai Madonna because it once stood in the Rucellai family chapel in Santa Maria Novella
Currently in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Slight right angle view
Ligter “flower-like” tones in angels robes were new in Italian panel painting
Throne hung with silk pattern
Folds indicated by thin wash brushed over the painted design
Same pattern appears in the frescoes in the chapel of Laudesi at Santa Maria Novella
Ovoid shapes of the Virgin’s face are similar to those of Coppo di Marcovaldi’s but more organic
Eyes outlined with curves connecting the browline and nose
Chin recedes to portray her modesty
Flame-like line in Mary’s robe
-Allie

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