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Renaissance in Siena - February 2008

In February, some Italian and History of Art students went to an exhibition at the National Gallery of Renaissance in Siena. Following is a students account.

Recently we went to the exhibition at the National Gallery of Renaissance in Siena, 'Art for a City'. All students of Italian or History of Art went and it was very enjoyable and educational for everyone. The exhibition was very well organised and provided very interesting information about the paintings and ehibits as well as the history of Siena.

It taught me a lot more about Italian culture and life during the Renaissance. The paintings in the exhibition shows clearly the pride that painters had in their city, and mutual beliefs throughout the city, ahown in pictures of the Virigin, often with depictions of Siena's walls and cathedral, because it called itself City of the Virgin. Siena's great rival was Florence, and its constant aim was to keep its own specific style and not produce similar art to Florentines. Siena had a tradition of using gold in its paintings and they often had a spiritual feel, in contrast to Florentines focus on nature.

The competition between Siena and Florence was very interesting, and especially how apparent it was in the art. The exhibition was very helpful with my oral presentation and I am very glad I went.

Written by Poppy Simon Yr 12

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