run across the width of each of the seven panels, perpendicular to the
grain of the wood (Fig. 18). The braces were attached on edge with a
series of wooden pegs with metal reinforcements (Fig. 19). About sixteen
thin, vertical steel rods were inserted through these steel braces. Each steel
rod had a series of small clamps placed below each brace. The clamps
were later individually calibrated. The vertical rods were attached to a
steel frame that was constructed on a principle similar to that of an air-
plane wing (Fig. 20). With this sturdy support, an even distribution of
theweight of the panel was ensured (Istituto Centrale per il RestauroC H P P R I 195CBADEF FFigure 15, above
Duccio di Buoninsegna, Maestàand Scenes
from the Life of Christ. Drawing showing the
cut (A) that separated the front from the back.
The portion remaining attached to the Scenes
from the Life of Christ(Fig. 14) consisted of a
horizontal layer (D) and a vertical layer (B).
The thickness of the vertical layer, which is
the part that is missing from the back of the
Maestà,was dictated by the depth of the nails
(C). One of the original dowels (E) is shown.
In this manner, the two painted surfaces (F)
were divided.
Figure 16, above right
Duccio di Buoninsegna, Maestà. This scene of
the Virgin with the Christ Child before
restoration, photographed in raking light,
clearly shows one of the cuts caused by a
blade that slipped during the separation
process of 1771.
Figure 17, right
Duccio di Buoninsegna, Maestà,reverse. On
the left, the irregularly cut areas on the back
of the central panel have been filled, and the
cradle has been attached. On the right, the
splits have been repaired, and the panel is
ready for cradling.