About this sheet
Civic Pride and Domestic Dignity in Siena: Treasurer, Matron, Rector - 1845
This beautifully matched trio of hand-colored lithographs offers a rare and evocative look at civic and domestic dress in Renaissance Siena. Published in 1845, these images come from a celebrated series of historical costumes derived from authentic pictorial and sculptural sources. The prints bring to life three distinct societal roles—financial administrator, noble matron, and hospital rector—captured with finesse and saturated, historically accurate color.
Plate No.37, titled "Trésorier" (Treasurer), portrays a Renaissance financier or bookkeeper at his desk, mid-task, with a ledger open and coins scattered across the surface. His orange cloak and deep crimson tunic are richly shaded, while the dark headwear adds gravity to his expression. He holds a money pouch in one hand and a quill in the other, suggesting both financial and administrative responsibility. This image vividly illustrates the importance of record-keeping and accountability in city governance.
Plate No.38, "Matrone Siennoise" (Sienese Matron), presents a noblewoman in a stately turquoise gown adorned with gold fleur-de-lis motifs. She wears a horned headdress and a fur-lined cape draped gracefully over her arms. Her gentle but composed posture, along with her luxurious attire, conveys the dignity and social influence of upper-class Sienese women. The ornamentation reflects both familial wealth and the fashion of civic virtue in Siena’s golden age.
Plate No.39, "Recteur de L’Hospital de Sienne" (Rector of the Siena Hospital), depicts a somber figure in a black pleated robe and a tall cap, covered by a pale violet cloak with yellow accents. His gesture of hand over heart implies responsibility and moral rectitude. This character likely oversaw the administration of Siena’s famed Santa Maria della Scala hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. The simplicity and formality of his attire contrast with the decorative richness of the matron, balancing the trio thematically.
Together, these prints form a visually harmonious and intellectually rewarding ensemble. Ideal for collectors of Sienese art, civic history, and Renaissance costume studies.
Condition:
The prints are in very good condition with strong hand coloring and excellent image clarity. Minor foxing is visible in the margins but does not affect the figures. Paper is clean, flat, and stable.
Framing Tips:
For display, mount these prints side by side using soft white or ivory mats and understated black or walnut frames. A triptych layout emphasizes their thematic unity. They are well suited for libraries, academic offices, municipal collections, or interior spaces that reflect historical or institutional themes. Use UV-protective glazing for long-term preservation.
