This book deserves the appellation "magnificent"—for its subject matter and for its presentation. Painted between 1308 and 1311 by Duccio di Buoninsegna, the two-sided altarpiece known as "Maest<`a>" (most of which survives splendidly in Siena's Catherdral Museum) stands as a pinnacle of artistic achievement. Presented here is an intimate and detailed view of the complete work—including parts residing in museum collections around the world. More than 250 color plates, many of which reproduce details in actual size, provide a breathtaking close-up experience. Bellosi (Siena University) is an art historian and curator, and his essays offer historical background, an iconographic interpretation of the altarpiece, and information on the character of the great painter and his creative processes. The original edition was published in Italian (1998, Electa, Milan). This volume is distributed in the US by W.W. Norton.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A study of the Maesta (Virgin in Majesty), which was painted for the high altar of Siena Cathedral. Beginning by looking at the work as a whole, the visual analysis moves on to examine the different sections and then isolates particular details, reproduced to scale.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 361-362) and index.