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Curator's introduction

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350

Join Dr Caroline Campbell for a special insight into our current exhibition
Date
Monday, 19 May 2025
Time
1 - 1.45 pm, doors open at 12.30 pm (drop-in)
Delivered in spoken English with BSL interpretation

About

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350 examines the exceptional moment in the history of Western European art when Sienese artists forged a new way of painting. 

Join Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and co-curator of the exhibition, as she introduces some of the the extraordinary works on display, including works by Duccio, Simone Martini and the brothers Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Artworks which are reunited for the first time in living memory, such as scenes that once formed part of Duccio’s monumental 'Maestà' altarpiece and panels from Simone Martini’s glittering Orsini polyptych will be explored in detail.

Caroline will also examine the evolving status of painting among the arts of Europe and show the central role that Sienese artists played in this story, at home, in other Italian centres, and in the cities and courts of Europe. She will look at examples of gilded glass, illuminated manuscripts, ivory Madonnas, rugs and silks to demonstrate how Siena’s creative energy spilled over between painters, metalworkers, weavers and carvers across Europe.

The exhibition was organised by the National Gallery and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York


This session will be delivered in spoken English with British Sign Language interpretation.

Image: Detail from Duccio, 'The Annunciation', 1307/8-11

Your speaker

Dr Caroline Campbell is Director of the National Gallery of Ireland. Previously, she was Director of Collections and Research at the National Gallery. A specialist in Italian Renaissance painting, her interests range from the Middle Ages to the contemporary world. During her time at the National Gallery, she curated the exhibitions ‘Mantegna and Bellini’, ‘Building the Picture’ and ‘Duccio | Caro’ among others.

Supported by

Supported by Elizabeth and Daniel Peltz OBE

Talks & conversations

Curator's introduction

Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350

Join Dr Caroline Campbell for a special insight into our current exhibition
Date
Monday, 19 May 2025
Time
1 - 1.45 pm, doors open at 12.30 pm (drop-in)
Delivered in spoken English with BSL interpretation

Free

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event will take place in the Pigott Theatre located in the Sainsbury Wing.