At the threshold of the Renaissance: The 'Rise of Painting' in 14th century Siena
Event Details
Arguably one of the most important museum events in London this year is the National Gallery’s exhibition: Siena: The RIse of Painting 1300-1350 (8 March-22 June 2025), organized with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it was shown to great acclaim in the autumn of 2024. The exhibition brings together over one hundred objects that illuminate the crucial role of Sienese artists in the development of Western painting before the onset of the deadly plague epidemic in 1350. Beyond the significance for the city itself, the rich artistic production of this period had a broader impact as precious panel paintings, illuminated manuscripts, ivory carvings and textiles travelled to other cities in both present-day Italy and beyond.
We are delighted to present an online lecture by Washington based art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine to introduce the exhibition and the historical context for this artistic flourishing and some of the great artists associated with it. For those who wish to explore the subject in greater depth as part of a smaller group, we are offering two further Salon studies (also online) during April which are available to book now:
Study 1: Sienese Painting: The Art of Story Telling
One of the most interesting developments in the Sienese painting of the 14th century was the pronounced turn towards story telling. In addition to creating pictorial narratives based on canonical sources such as the Bible, the artists of this city explored various ways of addressing abstract topics – such as the battle between virtue and vice – in elaborate allegorical composition.
Study 2: Sienese Painting: Simone Martini – Elegance and Refined Realism
Simone Martini (c. 1284–1344) was a master of elegance, grace and refined realism. A key figure in the Sienese School, much admired by Petrarch, his works are characterised by fluid lines, delicate figures and luminous colors. His attention to naturalistic detail, expressive gestures and atmospheric depth brought a new emotional sensitivity to religious art and helped shape the International Gothic style.
JOINING DETAILS:
- Lecture on Zoom by Aneta Georgievska-Shine followed by question and answer session moderated by John Allemand.
- Sunday 30 March 2025, 7.00-8.30 pm (UK/BST)
- £35.00 for lecture and introductory notes
- Two additional studies: Sienese Painting and the Art of Story Telling and Simone Martini: Elegance and Refined Realism may be booked individually.
