Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Detail Allegory of Good Government, 1338-39.
Beginning with a brief introduction to the most important paintings of both Lorenzetti siblings, this talk by National Gallery educator Dr Richard Stemp will then focus on Ambrogio’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government, painted for Siena’s town council from 1338 to 1339.
The brilliance of Sienese painting in the 14th century has meant that Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti are not more famous. Followers of Duccio, with whom they probably trained, they were contemporaries of Simone Martini, and both of these artists receive far more attention. The Lorenzetti brought a new realism to Sienese painting and an intriguing awareness of perspective, some 60 years before it was finally formalised.
In Ambrogio’s Allegory, Good Government and its attendant Virtues, watches over a flourishing city and its fertile countryside, whereas Bad Government presides over death, destruction and decay.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends. Bookings close one hour before the event.