NYC Gazette

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350 explores a significant period at the beginning of the Italian Renaissance. It highlights the influential role played by Sienese artists such as Duccio, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini in shaping Western painting. Before the devastating plague around 1350, Siena experienced remarkable artistic growth. While Florence is often seen as the Renaissance hub, this exhibition offers a new perspective on Siena's importance, from Duccio’s influence on emerging painters to the evolution of narrative altarpieces and the spread of artistic styles beyond Italy.

The exhibition draws from notable collections at The Met and the National Gallery in London, along with rare loans from various major lenders. It showcases over 100 works by Sienese artists, including paintings, sculptures, metalwork, and textiles. These range from large public displays to intimate objects for private devotion. Although these artists did not survive the plague circa 1350, their work significantly impacted later painters and theorists.

The Sherman Fairchild Foundation, Alice Cary Brown and W.L. Lyons Brown, the Gail and Parker Gilbert Fund, and the Diane W. and James E. Burke Fund made this exhibition possible.

Additional support comes from Laura and John Arnold; a gift in memory of Regina Jaglom Wachter; The Huo Family Foundation; The Richard and Natalie Jacoff Foundation Inc.; the Robert Lehman Foundation; Trevor and Alexis Traina; the Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation; and the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.

The Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities provided an indemnity for this exhibition.

Organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The National Gallery in London.