WASHINGTON, D.C.- Marking the first time these works have been shown outside of Italy, Art and Economics: Sienese Paintings from the Dawn of the Modern Financial Age presents an extraordinary collection of Sienese biccherne. Biccherne are small painted panels, created as covers for official documents of the civic government of Siena, Italy between the 13th and 17th centuries. On view at the Corcoran from July 31 through September 23, 2002, Art and Economics showcases panels painted by Siena’s most prominent artists, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Sano di Pietro and Duccio di Buoninsegna.



Including 50 panel paintings and 12 related manuscripts, Art and Economics: Sienese Paintings from the Dawn of the Modern Financial Age examines the confluence of three seemingly disparate elements - art, history and economic thought - in civic life.



"This exhibition explores the relationship between these exquisite, decorative panels and their utilitarian function as the covers of ledgers and balance sheets," notes Susan Badder, Corcoran Curator of Education and exhibition co-curator. "The biccherne prove to be a fascinating window into the daily life of an Italian city-state and evolving republic at the dawn of modern economic thinking."



Valuable historical documents, the biccherne illustrate artistic conventions and social trends. The earliest extant biccherna (1258) depicts a portrait of the bursar Ugo di San Galgano working on the account books at his desk. Later panels show the bursar, his books, his family shield, sacks filled with coins, and adjacent chests or coffers. By 1340 portrayals of bursar with a contributor provide visual evidence of the concept of a modern bank. As the city-state’s importance and self-awareness grew, the themes of the covers were expanded to include allegories of the religious and political life of Siena, as well as specific historical events. For example, a panel from 1467 shows the Virgin protecting the City during an earthquake while her citizens seek safety in tents constructed outside the city walls.



By the 15th century artists began to create small wall paintings, called gabelle, instead of book covers. Although the biccherne were still occasionally commissioned into the 17th century, Siena’s loss of independent power, following a defeat by Florence, was reflected in the declining relevance of this art form.



"The biccherne are spectacular examples of Renaissance craft," comments Eric Denker, Corcoran Curator of Prints and Drawings and exhibition co-curator. "Many of these panels have been cleaned and conserved recently. This exhibition marks the first time the biccherne have been displayed in their newly-restored condition."



The biccherne derive their name from the government agency that originally commissioned them: in 1257 the Office of the Biccherna, the most important financial branch of Sienese government, charged with managing all the revenues and expenses of the city, inaugurated the custom of commissioning panel paintings from the best artists in the community to function as the covers of its semi-annual collection of public ledgers. Shortly thereafter, the Office of the General Gabella, which was responsible for all duties and other taxes on commodities and business transactions, followed suit. Eventually this practice was adopted by other agencies and independent organizations of the city-state such as the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala (Saint Mary of the Stairway) and the university.



This exhibition is presented under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Italy, through the Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della Repubblica, the Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, Direzione Generale per gli Archivi and the Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena, in cooperation with the Ministero degli Affari Esteri. The exhibition is sponsored by Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Insurance has been provided by Montepaschi Vita. It was organized by Retablo Cultura-Arte-Immagine S.r.l.



Following the presentation at the Corcoran, the exhibition will be on view in the new Museum of the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala, Siena, Italy.