When comparing the sculpture of Virgin and Child from the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis (Fig. 12.32) and the altarpiece detail Virgin and Child with Saint Dominic and Saint Aurea (Fig. 12.33), what similarities can be noted?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Both pieces, in their different styles, are depicting much more realistic and natural figures. The sculpture stands in contrapposto with the body weight thrust to one side, a very natural stance. The drapery is molded in a way as to show the rounded body underneath. The faces of both the Virgin and the Child are animated rather than static. In Duccio's altarpiece, the Virgin's expression emphasizes her humanness rather than her divinity.