Art in Italy

At the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo, Siena

Virtually explore the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana del Duomo with Smarthistory as your guide

Some background

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Link to the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana del Duomo's website

Duccio, <em>Maestà</em>
Duccio, Maestà

Many, many panels made up this massive altarpiece. Dedicated to Mary, it stood in the crossing of Siena Cathedral.

Pietro Lorenzetti, <em>Birth of the Virgin</em>
Pietro Lorenzetti, Birth of the Virgin

Take a peek into a 14th-century household! This painting transplants a biblical story into a busy Sienese bedroom.

Donatello, <em>Mary Magdalene</em>
Donatello, Mary Magdalene

This difficult sculpture is an exercise in contrasts: frailty and power, pure spirituality and anatomical accuracy.