Apostles James the Younger and Bartholomew

This panel showing Apostles James the Younger and Bartholomew is part of the front face of Duccio's Maestà altarpiece (1308–1311), where the twelve apostles flanked the enthroned Virgin. Commissioned for Siena Cathedral's high altar, the Maestà was carried through the streets in a civic procession upon its completion. The apostle panels demonstrate Duccio's ability to individualize sacred figures through subtle variations in pose, physiognomy, and drapery color.

Egg tempera and gold on poplar panel, with Duccio's characteristic soft modeling distinguishing each apostle's features. The tooled gold haloes and ultramarine-rich palette reflect the enormous expense lavished on this commission by the Sienese commune.