By Francesco

Lorenzetti (1285/1290-1348) lived during Giotto’s years (1267-1337). He was born in Siena, but he also worked in Florence (his presence was documented in Florence up until 1321), where he came into contact with Giotto and his school. 

Lorenzetti was influenced by Byzantine and classic art, and used them to create a unique and personal painting style. His work was exceptionally original. 

He painted the Allegory of the good and bad government and their effects in the city and in the country. The frescoes are on the walls of the Room of the Nine/Room of Peace in Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico. The “nine” was the oligarchic assembly that governed the republic. 

ALLEGORY OF GOOD GOVERNMENT (1338-1339)

This fresco was inspired by Thomas Aquinas. The good Government is represented as an old sage with scepter, shield and crown. He is wearing the colors of the Siena emblem (black and white). Over him there are three winged figures: Faith, Hope and Charity. To his right are seated Peace, Fortitude, and Prudence, while on his left there are Magnanimity, Temperance, and Justice. 

Justice is also represented on the left of this fresco with a weight scale. Under Justice there is Concord who gives a cord to 24 councilors of the city (the cord started from the weighing plates). 

Peace is a very interesting figure, she is stretched on a pile of armor and she holds an olive branch on her left hand, while she is supporting her head with her right.

EFFECTS OF GOOD GOVERNMENT IN THE COUNTRY (1338-1339)

EFFECTS OF GOOD GOVERNMENT IN THE CITY (1338-1339)

These paintings show the direct effects of the good government and indicate the objective of the rulers of the city.