In the Gothic period, Siena was the main competitor against Florence. Florence and Siena, while distinctly different cities, share many similar qualities which make them prone to rivalry. Both cities were built on Roman and Etruscan remains and greatly involved in trade and banking. Their civic pride evidently is reflected in each city’s architecture. The Cathedral that is dedicated to Virgin Mary of each city is a perfect example.
The Cathedral is decorated with black and white stripes, the colors of the civic coat of arms of Siena. As a response to the completion of the Cathedral of Florence, the Sienese blueprinted a cathedral to outdo that of the Florentines. Construction for the new Duomo was started in 1339 but due to technical difficulties and the plague in 1348, the Sienese were unable to finish their project. Instead, to compensate, they reconstructed the interior of the Cathedral to make it more austere. Duccio, who had become popular and well-respected in his time, was heavily involved in the project. He and his works became a testimony of Siena’s greatness.
In 1311, he completed one of his greatest works, the Maestra. The alter piece is still seen in the cathedral today, highlighting the importance of Virgin Mary to the city during that time. She was more than just mother of God but rather as a protectress to the city. The inscription on the base of the panel reads, “Holy Mother of God, be thou the cause of peace for Siena and life to Duccio because he painted thee thus.”
And so while the Sienese were not great architects, they were great painters. In comparison to the Florentine painters, there was a greater understanding of delicacy and perspective. While the vanishing point was often not static, the use of bird’s eye perspective was a great achievement during that time.
The Effect of Good Government on City and Country by Ambrogio Lorenzetti is one of the first panoramic paintings. He and many other Sienese artists like Duccio, Pietro, and Simone prompted the further exploration of space evident in the emergence of the International Gothic style and the Florentine Early Renaissance.
And even though the rivalry ended with Florence overtaking Siena, no one can deny the importance of Siena and its contribution to the advancement of arts.
Dorpeng 