Simone Martini
Simone Martini (c. 1284 - 1344) was an Italian painter hailing from Siena. Another early Italian painter, along with Duccio, who influenced the development of the International Gothic style. Characteristics of this style were graceful figures, rich decoration and colouring, and depiction of space around the figures.
Christ Discovered in the Temple includes a combination of elements from the Byzantine or Middle Ages tradition coupled with a humanist approach to art in the form of narrative. Martini composes the figures in such a way that the viewer can decipher a relationship between them. Their facial expressions and postures signify the story being told, without the need for much context.
Christ Discovered in the Temple, was produced in 1342, two years before the artist's death.