Christ Washes the Apostles' Feet (top); Last Supper (bottom)

This double-register panel depicting Christ Washing the Apostles' Feet above the Last Supper is from the reverse of Duccio di Buoninsegna's Maestà altarpiece for Siena Cathedral, painted 1308-1311. These two closely linked episodes from the Gospel of John mark the transition from Christ's public ministry to the Passion narrative. Duccio's pairing emphasizes Christ's humility and service, themes central to Franciscan and Dominican spirituality that deeply influenced Sienese religious art.

Painted in egg tempera and gold on panel, the double-scene format required Duccio to create two distinct yet compositionally unified spaces. The architectural settings use simplified Gothic interiors with receding walls to suggest depth, while the figures display Duccio's mastery of expressive gesture and rhythmic drapery arrangement.