When did Ambrogio Lorenzetti begin painting The Allegory of Good and Bad Government?
Ambrogio Lorenzetti began painting The Allegory of Good and Bad Government in February 1338. He finished the work by May 1339 inside Siena's Palazzo Pubblico.
Questions about The Allegory of Good and Bad Government
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where is The Allegory of Good and Bad Government located within the Palazzo Pubblico?
The murals cover three walls within the Council Room known as the Sala dei Nove or Salon of Nine. They occupy the eastern wall with Effects of Good Government, the western wall with The Allegory and Effects of Bad Government, and the northern wall featuring allegorical virtues.
What specific figures represent the virtues of Good Government in the fresco?
Six crowned female figures represent the virtues including Peace Fortitude Prudence Magnanimity Temperance and Justice. Justice balances scales held by Wisdom while floating bodiless ghosts appear above as heavenly spheres.
How does The Allegory of Good and Bad Government depict civic life compared to other art from that era?
Unlike most art from that era the subject matter focused on civic life rather than religious themes. The painting offers the first accurate panoramic view of city and country since antiquity showing clustered palaces markets towers churches streets and walls.
Why did Ambrogio Lorenzetti use a skewed perspective in The Allegory of Good and Bad Government?
The skewed perspective radiates from a specific point of view making use of radial design to force engagement with the moral message painted before them. Viewers must read the bad government scene right to left automatically creating discomfort which aligns with the science of optics during that time in Siena.