On June 9, 1311, a monumental altarpiece known as the “Maestà” (c. 1308–11) was carried in solemn procession from the workshop of its artist, Duccio di Buoninsegna, to the high altar of the recently completed cathedral of Siena. Unprecedented in scale (it was once the largest Italian wooden altarpiece ever painted, measuring 4.68m x 4.99m, or 15’4″ x 16’4″) and in composition, the “Maestà” is Duccio’s most famous work and one of the most important paintings of the 14th century. Depicting the Virgin Mary “in majesty” surrounded by saints and angels on the front, and scenes of Christ’s passion on the back, the “Maestà” testifies to Siena’s special and privileged relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. The “Maestà” is exhibited at the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo in Siena, Italy.