Allegory Of Good Government Essay

A series of fresco paintings done by Ambrogio Lorenzetti are placed in the Palazzo Publico, or better known as the “town hall” of Sienna. These frescos were created by Lorenzetti roughly between 1337 to 1340. The rulers of the city met in the Sala Della Pace, or “Hall of Peace” where these paintings are to remind them of their duties to be good and just for the city of Sienna. Looking at the room, on one side there is a wall with windows and across from that wall is a major fresco, The Allegory of Good Government. To the right of that, there is The Effects of Good Government in the City and the Country, and opposite of that is The Allegory and Effects of Bad Government. First, looking at The Allegory of Good Government, allegories are figures standing in place of an idea such as wisdom,
On this wall, is the Effects of Good Government in the City and in The Country. In this painting, we see the walls in the city of Sienna, which is the largest cityscape painting in the Renaissance era. The architecture in this piece is a stunning and perfect example of what peace should look like in the city. It shows a city that is flourishing with people interacting with one another, thriving off trade and commerce. We even see a group of women dancing in elaborately made costumes as an allegory of good government. The leaders of the city that met in this room would have this idea to look up to and see a detailed description of what their city should be, if they do their job and do it well. Same for the countryside and outside of the city. It shows the landscape of sienna and its natural beauty. There are farmers harvesting crops as well as livestock being used to import those crops. It illustrates that the city and its surroundings were plentiful and flourishing like a well-oiled machine. These frescos tell and interesting story of what is needed for good government and what it should look