In this artwork, how is the Aesthetic influences discussed?
Many other elements of Duccio's interest in humanism are prevalent and can be seen in the tenderly draped robe worn by the Madonna and on Christ's lap, the childish reach of his hand to the Virgin's somewhat austere gaze back as she anticipates Christ's future, the luminous colors employed to the garments, and the fine details found on the inner layer of the Virgin's veil.  It is these distinct qualities that would shape the sensibility of later Sienese painting and that give Duccio's Madonna and Child such worthy attention and credibility in the history of art.  Other details found in this image are ones that stay behind in Byzantine tradition and characterize earlier works of Duccio, while the more innovative qualities prosper over time.  The tooled details in the gold ground are minute and difficult to notice at a far glance but add an important element to the image.  Punched designs were employed for the halos and the border design, all of which were hand inscribed.
Madonna Virgin Duccio humanism Byzantine Madonna and Child gold ground