Welcome to this online retreat.
Duccio's glorious masterpiece, the Maestà, represents the supreme achievement of Sienese art. Its panels tell the story of the Christ's life on earth, its centrepiece a work of beauty for the devotion of the people.
After two introductory videos looking at Duccio's life and the Maestà we will follow the life of Christ through his Infancy, Passion, Death and Resurrection. The final video will look at the Maestà in all its glory.
I hope you find it helpful,
Fr Brendan
Out of his infinite glory
may he give you the power through his Spirit
for your hidden self to grow strong
so that Christ may live in your hearts,
and then planted in love and built on love,
you will with all the saints have strength to grasp the breadth and the length,
the height and the depth,
until knowing the love of Christ,
which is beyond all knowledge,
you are filled with the utter fullness of God.
Glory be to him whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine;
glory be to him from generation to generation
in the church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:16-21
What's so special about Duccio?
Here are some questions you might like to think about as you look at Duccio's art in relation to our own spiritual growth.
The background to the Maestà.
The story begins, and we take a closer look at his Annunciation.
The Gospel of Glory
The Drama of Holy Week
Appearances of the Risen Lord
"The most beautiful painting ever seen and ever made"
The final paintings of the Maestà. Click to enlarge.
The final paintings of Duccio for the Maestà are not Gospel scenes, but are stories of the early Christian tradition. Such exquisite paintings round off our view of this work, for a Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption.
Queen of heaven, pray for Siena, pray for Duccio and pray for us all!
Thank you for participating in this day.
There is no charge for this day. It is to help in these difficult times.
If if you leave a donation you will help us sustain the monastery and our outreach.
As monks we have to earn a living. It all helps.
Those who register will receive more detailed instructions on how to connect with Zoom and the format of the day.

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