A Step into 14th-Century Siena at The National Gallery

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery in London is presenting a remarkable homecoming, not of people, but of paintings. "Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300–1350," which opened in March 2025, is a rare curated exhibition that brings together masterpieces of early Italian painting. Many of these works have not been displayed side by side since the 14th century.

First unveiled at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York last autumn, where it was met with glowing acclaim, the exhibition has now opened in London to five-star reviews across the board. Critics have described it as “visionary,” and “a once-in-a-generation cultural event.” With The Times labelling it “a masterclass in curatorial precision,” let’s take a look at what makes this exhibition truly world class.

The exhibition repositions Siena as playing a central role in the evolution of painting as the impact of Sienese art can be traced as far as England, France and Bohemia as it helped shift European painting toward the modern era. For the first time in generations, works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti will be brought together in one gallery, allowing visitors to experience their brilliance in the context these artists originally intended.

Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna

One of the exhibition’s centrepieces is the partial reassembly of Duccio’s Maestà, painted between 1307 and 1311 for the high altar of Siena Cathedral. This monumental, double-sided altarpiece was later dismantled in the 18th century, with its panels being dispersed across international collections. Now, several of these fragments are returning to one another: The Annunciation from the National Gallery, Christ and the Woman of Samaria from Madrid’s Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., among others. Together, they offer a rare glimpse into Duccio’s original vision; a significant moment for art historians and a treat for visitors.

Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini

Another anticipated reunion is Simone Martini’s Orsini Polyptych, a six-panel folding altarpiece likely commissioned by Cardinal Napoleone Orsini, a member of one of Italy’s most powerful families. The polyptych’s panels have resided in museums across Europe from the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. Reunited in London, Martini’s complete vision can finally be seen with panels depicting central Christian themes such as the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross, and the Annunciation, presented in a format designed for private devotion.

A Conversation Across Centuries

"Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300‒1350" will highlight the extraordinary advancements in painting during this period, showcasing the works of renowned artists such as Simone Martini, Duccio, and two other exceptional Sienese painters: Pietro Lorenzetti and his brother Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The Lorenzetti brothers brought a blend of mastery and innovation to their art as they were known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Alongside the paintings by the four central artists, the exhibition features a diverse range of Sienese works in various media, including metalwork, enamel, gilded glass, wood, marble, and manuscript illumination. It also showcases select pieces from other regions and cultures. These additional works highlight the connections between the paintings of the four artists and the artistic achievements of their contemporaries.

For art enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, this exhibition presents a unique opportunity to engage with works of profound historical significance from the world’s leading museums, many of which are unlikely to be seen together again in our lifetimes.

Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300–1350 is exhibited at The National Gallery, London from 8 March – 22 June 2025

Tickets start at £20 and are free for members. Purchase your tickets here.