Stories of art taster: Duccio di Buoninsegna

Join Art Historian Siân Walters for a free introduction to the life and work of Duccio di Buoninsegna as an introduction to Stories of Art 1250–1400.

Siena was a powerful independent republic during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This period was marked by prosperity and peace, coinciding with a glorious Golden Age of art patronage in which Duccio di Buoninsegna became the leading painter of his generation.

By introducing a new sense of naturalism and a focus on structure, emotion and narrative, he would bridge the gap between the older Byzantine style and a new, modern approach. We will explore his most famous altarpiece, the ‘Maestà’ which was made for Siena Cathedral, as well as more intimate paintings made for private devotion, such as ‘The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea’.

If you enjoyed this session, find out more about 'Stories of art' and upcoming modules

Siân Walters is an art historian and the director of Art History in Focus. She studied at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, and has been a lecturer at the National Gallery for over 20 years. Her specialist areas of research are Italian painting, Spanish art and architecture, Flemish and Dutch painting and the relationship between dance and art. Siân also lectures for The Arts Society and leads specialist art tours abroad. She was a lecturer at University of Surrey for many years and has lived and worked in France and Venice. She is currently writing a book on still-life paintings in the National Gallery Collection.

Can't make the session but don't want to miss out? No problem, you can watch again.

The session is recorded and made available to you for 2 weeks.

A video of the week's lecture will be uploaded and available for you to watch via your National Gallery account on Monday.

This is an online ticketed course hosted on Zoom. Please book a ticket to access the course.

Only one ticket can be booked per account.

You will be emailed an E-ticket with instructions on how to access the course via your National Gallery account. All course information including your Zoom link, weekly handouts, and recordings will be available here.