Madonna and Child on a throne (Front side fragment) 1311

This fragment by Duccio, an Italian painter active in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, captures an angel in tempera and gold. The halo, a radiant disc behind the head, signifies divine light and spiritual power. The angel's delicate features and serene expression are hallmarks of Duccio's style, meant to inspire reverence and contemplation. Consider how the halo echoes the solar disc of ancient sun gods, a visual motif adopted by Christianity to denote sanctity. The red ribbon may be an early representation of secular power, in the form of a diadem, used for the highest ranks of nobility. This enduring symbol has appeared and reappeared across cultures and millennia, and its transformation reflects evolving beliefs and power structures. It’s a testament to humanity’s deep-seated need to visualize and embody the divine, a potent force that resonates even today.