Ambrogio Lorenzetti, an eminent Italian painter who hailed from the Sienese school, has left us basking in awe of his works and one cannot help but introspect about his artistic creations. His Well-Governed Town and Country is a pictorial encyclopedia which brings forth the exalted countryside of his times. He created frescos on the walls of Sala dei Nove or Sala della Pace which have endured the scythe of time as paramount works in preservation of history. These works testify Lorenzetti’s quintessence as a political and moral observer of his times. These works depict allegorical figures of virtue pointing to the ideal governance of a republic. These were painted during 1337-39 by the stalwart painter.
A very storing political message regarding the importance of the stable republican government is echoed in the Allegory of Good Government. The work documents several elements of secularism and also refers to the paramount importance of religious beliefs in the city. These paintings exude a transformation in the vision and the evolutionary thematic contents. The frescos which are collectively known as Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Government bring forth the political creed of the Nove government which was in power in Siena till 1355. The allegorical expression of Good Government exudes the artistic detail of the painter. One can see the prosperous civilians of the town trading and dancing, while there is a lush countryside beyond the city walls which give life to the harvested crops. However, in the allegory of Bad Government, one can find that diseased civilians are roaming in the city and criminality has spread its baleful clutches all across. The countryside is seen to be suffering from drought.
Thus, the artist aptly brought forth the socio-political conditions of his time through his works. These have lived on to become priceless pieces of historical importance and have immortalized the painter in the innermost core of the hearts of innumerable admirers and critics who can only marvel at his awe-inspiring vision and creative omnipotence.
References
Rowley, George. (1958). Ambrogio Lorenzetti: Illustrations. New Jersey: Princeton University
Press.
