The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York inaugurated on October 8th the first major exhibition in the United States dedicated to Sienese art of the 14th century, titled “Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350.”
“I am delighted that one of the world’s most important and prestigious museums has chosen to host this exhibition, which recognizes and sheds new light on the extraordinary contribution Siena of the early 14th century made to the history of world art,” commented Italy’s Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia. “The American public will be able to discover and appreciate another wonderful glimpse of our inimitable history. I am grateful to Siena and Tuscany for investing resources and passion in this beautiful project.”
At the inauguration ceremony, alongside the Met’s Director, Max Hollein, were Italy’s Consul General in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele, and the Mayors of Siena and Arezzo, Nicoletta Fabio and Alessandro Ghinelli.
The exhibition, curated by experts from the Metropolitan Museum and the National Gallery in London, is divided into twelve sections exploring themes related to geography, artists, and Siena’s significance as a center of artistic innovation before the Renaissance. The displayed works — among which stand out masterpieces like Duccio’s Madonna and Child and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Annunciation — bring together elements that have remained separated for centuries, offering a comprehensive vision of this extraordinary artistic period and the flourishing Tuscan cultural hub.
“This is an unprecedented exhibition that brings to life a unique moment, with the City of Siena at its heart. In just a few decades, artists like Duccio, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers created masterpieces of unparalleled beauty, all brought together here masterfully. We are deeply grateful to the Met’s curators, who have worked enthusiastically for many years on this ambitious project, alongside the municipalities of Siena and Arezzo and numerous American and European galleries. This extraordinary collaboration allows us to embark on a fascinating journey from New York back to 14th-century Siena,” stated Italy’s Consul General in New York, Fabrizio Di Michele.