Something Beautiful

Lamentation (G. David)

In my opinion, this Lamentation by Gerard David is simply exquisite.   

The Passion, by Duccio (part 6) (end)

Here are the last three panels of Duccio's graphic retelling of the story of the Passion and Resurrection:

- Three Marys at the Empty Tomb
- Christ appears to Mary Magdalen (Noli Me Tangere)
- Road to Emmaus

- - -

Recap: We've been looking at panels from the Maestà, a famous altarpiece by Duccio di Buoninsegna, done in the years 1308-11.

These panels are, more specifically, on the back of this famous work. There are fourteen such panels altogether, telling the story of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.

The Passion, by Duccio (part 5)

According to the Nicene Creed, Jesus 'descended into Hell' after his death but before his resurrection from the dead.

- Descent into Hell

This event is not mentioned in the canonical gospels, but is related in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. Here Christ has arrived in limbo and now sets his forefathers free. He helps Adam to rise. As he does so, he treads on a hideous Satan, who lies vanquished and blind with rage.

The Passion, by Duccio (part 4)

- Deposition
- Burial

The Passion, by Duccio (part 3)

In these two panels of the Maesta, c. 1310, Duccio portrays Christ on his way to Calvary, where he would be crucified, and the crucifixion itself:

- Way to Calvary
- Crucifixion

The Passion, by Duccio (part 2)

In these panels, Duccio portrays the arrest, trials and torture of Christ:

- Christ Arrested
- Christ before Annas, Peter's First Denial
- Christ before Caiaphas, Peter's Second Denial
- Christ Mocked, Peter's Third Denial
- Christ Accused by the Pharisees
- Pilate's First Interrogation of Christ
- Christ before Herod
- Christ before Pilate Again
- The Flagellation
- Crown of Thorns
- Pilate Washing His Hands

The Passion, by Duccio (part 1)

Here are the first six scenes from the Passion as depicted by Duccio c. 1310:

- Entry into Jerusalem
- Washing the Feet of the Apostles
- Last Supper
- Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles
- Pact of Judas
- Agony in the Garden

The Passion, by Duccio (intro)

The final week of Lent, traditionally known as Holy Week, began this past Sunday. The art devoted to the events of this week is so vast and so wonderful that it's difficult to get a real handle on it. One approach is simply to consult the Maestà altarpiece of Duccio di Buoninsegna.

More specifically, the panels on the back of this famous work tell the story of the Passion of Christ in a clear yet aesthetically pleasing way.  

- page 1
- page 2
- page 3

In order to 'read' these fourteen panels, begin at the bottom left, then proceed from left to right on the lower row; then from left to right on the upper row, ending in the top right.