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Siena and its contado : art, iconography and patronage in the diocese of Grosseto from c.1380 to c.1480

This study examines the artistic output in the diocese of Grosseto, which was part of Sienese controlled territories in Medieval and Renaissance times, and sheds light on the artists who worked there, the works that they produced, the purpose of these works and the way that these were shaped by local patrons, popular beliefs and long- standing traditions. It encompasses a period in the history of Siena that starts in c. 1380 with the political turmoil that followed the fall of the government of the Nine in 1355, and ends in c. 1480, around the time of Pandolfo Petrucci’s exile from the city. A contextualized overview of the activity of artists from Siena and beyond, such as Matteo di Giovanni, Sassetta, Vecchietta Francesco di Giorgio, Giovanni da Ponte and Andrea Guardi in the diocese of Grosseto is provided by means of visual examination and new documentary evidence. Relevant case studies offer a new perspective on the development of local visual imagery, the style and iconography of panel paintings, sculptures and fresco cycles and how these related to local devotional practices and patronage. The study shows that the development of independent taste in commissioning and acquiring artworks transcended geographical boundaries and political influence, and that original developments took place alongside the imitation of imported models. This research contributes to a new understanding of the relationship between Siena and Grosseto and proposes that notwithstanding Sienese influence, other cultural models were available, and that these were adapted to suit local requirements. A thorough investigation of local patronage establishes that this involved civic, religious and lay sources and that these shaped civic rituals and devotional responses to the cult of patron saints. It brings to light a vivid, yet complex image whereby all the realms of society interacted and benefitted from cultural exchange.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:542623
Date January 2011
CreatorsCardarelli, Sandra
PublisherUniversity of Aberdeen
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Sourcehttp://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=167749

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