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Which early jobs did Duccio complete for the commune of Siena?
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Duccio
The Virgin Enthroned with the Child, Surrounded by the Patrons of Siena, Angels, and Saints, central panel of the Maestà, tempera on wood panel by Duccio, 1308–11; in the Siena Opera della Metropolitana, Italy.
In the early stages of his career, Duccio performed several tasks for the commune of Siena that were more characteristic of an artisan than a painter, though such commissions were commonly requested of established artists at the time.1
His documented early work for the commune included:
- 1278: He was commissioned by the treasurer of the commune to decorate 12 strongboxes intended for documents.1
- 1279: He was tasked with decorating one of the wooden covers for the treasury's account books.1
These assignments demonstrate that Duccio was already a mature and independent artist by 1278, as he was officially designated as a "painter" while undertaking these projects.1