An essential visual overview for students and readers with an interest in Sienese art history
and Renaissance culture. For two centuries the city-republic of Siena was home to a brilliant
succession of painters who created some of the greatest masterpieces of all time an imagery
unmatched in colouristic intensity and spatial experimentation. This overview now revised and
updated is an essential introduction to this extraordinary artistic tradition. Taking a
broadly chronological approach it moves from the 14th-century Siena of Duccio Simone Martini
and the Lorenzetti brothers to the 15th-century city of Sassetta and Giovanni di Paolo.
Perceptive visual analysis of the distinctive styles and conventions of Sienese painting is
combined with clear explanations of traditional techniques such as fresco and tempera. The
works are also placed in their social and religious context through discussion of Siena's
system of government its civic consciousness the importance of the Franciscan movement and
the cults of local saints. An accomplished writer as well as a practising artist Timothy Hyman
brings breadth of knowledge and experience to this extensively illustrated book brilliantly
conveying his personal enthusiasm for Sienese art.
