The s Major Communal Centers The Cathedral Complex, The...

Throughout the centuries, Siena has been preserved to look as it did in the time of it’s construction. It is a beautiful Medieval city resting in the Tuscan hills, the characteristic red brick well suited to the lush green landscape. Walking through the streets, you might see the Siena coat of arms in the windows, the Balzana, alongside depictions of the Virgin Mary, or a theme of black and white. You might see intricate carvings in the pavement, symbols from a different time. What you would be passing by is the history of Siena- the true fabric of the identity of this medieval community. But what is old, and what is new? What did being a part of this community in the thirteenth century mean, and what does it mean now? How has the†¦show more content†¦The actual symbol is mentioned in various accounts being in the cathedral itself, something that I would be curious to find and note placement. The Balzana adornes a lot of Siena’s public buildings, and their are varied accounts to what it means. It is a reference to Senio and Ascanio, but about the smoke from the fire they lit to thank the gods for the city Siena. How prevalent is the coat of arms? Is it considered more history or legend? Much of the work inside of the church was commissioned by the city; most prominently, the Maestà  . It is a large depiction of the Virgin in Majesty. Flanking the Virgin are the four patron saints of the city; Saint Ansanus, Saint Sabinus, Saint Crescentius and Saint Victor. The piece expresses the formal dedication of the city to the Virgin in 1260 at the Battle of Montaperti against the Florentines. When it was hung in the Duomo, the piece was carried in a grand procession from Duccio di Niccolo’s workshop through the streets of the city, until it was hung above the altar in the cathedral. The celebration of the piece was a city-held ordeal; an event that gives clues to how close the church and state were linked in the identity of this communit y. I am curious to find where else the virgin is depicted, and what her symbol represents to the city today. The piece has been removed from its original display to the Cathedral Museum, along with other famous works including The Feast