In an ambitious exhibition opening today in Siena, the story of the transition from the Gothic period to the Renaissance is told. Three hundred and six works are on display, including around twenty polyptychs which have been specially reconstructed and works on loan from public and private collections worldwide.
The exhibition begins with a section devoted to the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. Then there are two sections devoted to the development of painting: the first of these features fourteenth century painters such as the Lorenzetti Brothers whilst the second focuses on artists such as Donatello who came from outside Siena but worked there during the 1420s. Next there is a section which demonstrates the influence of Donatello on other artists in Siena during the first half of the fifteenth century. After these sections, visitors can see portable altars , boxes, chests and a collection of illuminated manuscripts as well as some rare fifteenth-century textiles.
The exhibition continues in the Cathedral and its museum, the Museo dell’Opera, and the Baptistery.
“Da Jacopo della Quercia a Donatello – L'arte a Siena nel primo rinascimento” is at Santa Maria della Scala, the Opera della Metropolitana and the Pinacoteca Nazionale from 26th March – 10th July 2010. The Santa Maria della Scala museum complex is open every day including Sundays and holidays from 10.30 am – 7.30 pm.
