Seeing the Light: the Art of Looking in and around Duccio's 'Maestà
About
As explored in our major exhibition, ‘Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350', Duccio’s 'Maestà' – completed in 1311 for the High Altar of Siena Cathedral – was an endless source of inspiration for the next generation of Sienese artists, including Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers. The regard in which it was held becomes clearer when we consider the context created for it, which included a rich array of paintings complementing its message. And by looking at some of the smallest details we can see precisely what was so inspirational – with the subtlest of connections clarified by the exhibition’s reunification of disparate fragments.
As well as looking in detail at aspects of the 'Maestà' – and, in particular, at Duccio’s brilliant use of gold leaf – this lunchtime lecture will also consider the paintings created by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini to be seen in relationship to the High Altar.
Your speaker
Dr Richard Stemp studied at Clare College, Cambridge, completing a PhD on 15th-century sculpture from Ferrara. He has worked as a lecturer at the National Gallery for over 25 years, and lectures at Tate, the Wallace Collection, the Royal Academy and the V&A in London, and across Europe for Art History Abroad. He has written books on the Italian Renaissance and churches and cathedrals and has written and presented two series for Channel 4 on art at the National Gallery and Tate Modern. He shares his time between art and acting.
Supported by
Supported by Elizabeth and Daniel Peltz OBE
Lunchtime lecture
Seeing the Light: the Art of Looking in and around Duccio's 'Maestà
Free
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
This event will take place in the Pigott Theatre, located on Level -1 of the Sainsbury Wing.