Research Catalog

The art and government service of Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei (c. 1421 - c. 1495) : visual propaganda and undercover agency for the Republic of Siena

Title
The art and government service of Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei (c. 1421 - c. 1495) : visual propaganda and undercover agency for the Republic of Siena / Anabel Thomas.
Author
Thomas, Anabel
Publication
Amsterdam Amsterdam University Press, [2023]
Supplementary Content
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TextUse in library ND623.A4748 T46 2023gOff-site

Details

Additional Authors
Alfei, Francesco di Bartolomeo.
Description
274 pages : illustrations (chiefly color); 25 cm.
Summary
In 1454 the Sienese painter Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei faced litigation from the <cite>Mercanzia</cite> in Siena for defaulting on a contract from one of the leading Franciscan confraternities in the city. Two fellow Sienese artists, Giovanni di Paolo and Sano di Pietro, had recently completed a new altarpiece for the same entity. Anabel Thomas considers how the two commissions were linked and questions why Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei's brief to fresco the confraternity chapel remained unfinished. In a wide ranging analysis of mainly unpublished records, focussing on the artist's association with key members of Sienese society, fellow artisans and government officials, Thomas concludes that Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei might have honoured his contract had he not become immersed in the military strategy, diplomacy and visual propaganda of the Republic of Siena.
Series Statement
Visual and Material Culture, 1300-1700 ; 45
Uniform Title
Visual and material culture, 1300-1700 ; 45.
Subject
  • Alfei, Francesco di Bartolomeo
  • Mural painting and decoration > Italy > Siena > History > To 1500
  • Church decoration and ornament > Italy > Siena > History > To 1500
  • Confraternities > Italy > Siena > History > To 1500
  • Art > Political aspects > History > Italy > Siena > To 1500
  • Espionage > Italy > Siena > History > To 1500
  • History of art and design styles: c 1400 to c 1600
  • Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700
  • ART / European
  • ART / History / Renaissance
  • HISTORY / Renaissance
  • Paintings and painting
  • History of art
  • European history: Renaissance
  • Fifteenth-century Siena, Visual Propaganda, Art, Politics and Diplomacy, Government Service and Undercover Agency
Bibliography (note)
  • Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Contents
Preface Structure of the book Illustrations Introduction PART ONE -- Art and Diplomacy Chapter One: The Politics of Journeyman Painting Chapter Two: The Diplomat Leonardo Benvoglienti and his friend, the Painter Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei PART TWO -- Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei: Conflicting Career Options Chapter One: Workshop Training and Neighbourhood Networking Chapter Two: Military Action in Defence of Siena's Southern Territories PART THREE -- Giovanni di Paolo, Sano di Pietro and Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei and the 'chompangnia e fraternita di san franciescho posta nel chonvento di san franciescho' Chapter One: The Fraternity Chapter Two: A New Altarpiece Chapter Three: Fresco Work in the Company Chapel PART FOUR -- Francesco di Bartolomeo Alfei, 'Trusted Servant' Inside and Outside the Walls of Siena Chapter One: Arbitrator and Scribe for the Trecerchi Chapter Two: Martinozzi Patronage Chapter Three: Government sponsored work inside Siena and official postings in Montalcino, the Val di Chiana and Vergelle PART FIVE -- The Ponte d'Arbia Project -- Preserving the 'honour' of Siena Conclusion
ISBN
  • 9463721584
  • 9789463721585
OCLC
  • on1371971428
  • 1371971428
  • SCSB-14608405
Owning Institutions
Columbia University Libraries