Rucellai Madonna

Duccio di Buoninsegna painted the Rucellai Madonna in 1285 for the Compagnia dei Laudesi in the Santa Maria Novella church. The enormous panel shows the Virgin and Child enthroned, surrounded by six angels. The elaborate throne and gold background follow Byzantine tradition, but Duccio's delicate line and subtle modeling anticipate the Sienese school's elegance.

The painting takes its name from the Rucellai Chapel where it later hung. For centuries it was attributed to Cimabue, but documents confirm Duccio as the artist. The angels kneel gracefully, their positions creating a sense of depth and gentle movement unusual for the period.

At nearly 15 feet tall, this is one of the largest panel paintings ever made. The Uffizi displays it as a landmark work of late medieval Italian art.