The Piccolomini Library in the Cathedral of Siena

The Sienese Cardinal, Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, nephew of Pope Pius II, had the Piccolomini Library built onto the left flank of the Cathedral of Siena, Italy, in the last decade of the fifteenth century, and in the next decade had its walls painted by Pintoricchio, with scenes from the life of Pius II (1405–1464). This dissertation explores the history and decoration of the Library and its iconographic relationship to the Cathedral of Siena. An examination of the visual narrative of each of the Library's painted scenes reveals the ways in which the visual message departs from or expands that of the accompanying written inscription. Although the Library is usually viewed as a structure that conflicts visually and symbolically with the rest of the cathedral, this study shows that the vast program of decorations undertaken in the cathedral beginning in 1480 under the direction of the Operaio, Alberto Aringhieri, established an ideal setting for the Library. A look at the history of the cathedral reveals that from its beginnings, there was symbolic coordination of its major monuments. At several points in the cathedral's history, the program was enlarged and the symbolic emphasis was shifted to accommodate general changes in outlook or interest. The shift that occurred in the period 1480–1506 and which included the installation of the library was the most definitive. However, a political takeover of the control of the cathedral works resulted in an alteration of the program that broke its unity and masked the fullness of its symbolic statement. A reconstruction of the altered program and an examination of the political machinations of the period help to reveal the nature of the program, how it came to fruition, and why it was destroyed.