Ghigo Roli photographer

Siena: Piccolomini Library

In 1502 Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, future Pope Pius III, decided to create a library in the rectory of the Siena Cathedral to pay homage to his maternal uncle, Enea Silvio Piccolomini. The uncle, known as Pope Pius II, had been a great humanist and had collected an impressive book heritage. The decoration of this space along the north-western side of the Cathedral was entrusted to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio who, assisted by his own workshop, completed the cycle of frescoes between 1503 and 1508. The sparkling colours and the fairy-tale scenes, with wonderful landscapes and luxurious court scenes, represent Enea Silvio Piccolomini’s life in a precise chronological succession, from his youth to the salient phases of his pontificate until his death. The rich decoration of the Piccolomini Library also extends to the vault which is mainly decorated with grotesques. Two panels in the centre depict two mythological scenes: Diana and Endymion and The Rape of Proserpina. The heart of the vault is occupied by the coat of arms of Cardinal Todeschini Piccolomini. All around there are other smaller panels dedicated to other mythological motifs such as marine thiasos, bucolic and bacchanal scenes. At the centre of the Library Pio III had the sculptural group of The Three Graces placed. It is a marble Roman copy (III century) of a hellenistic group and he had acquired it from Cardinal Prospero Colonna and was initially intended for his Roman palace.

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The Piccolomini Library: copy of the original floor tiles, by faentine manufacture of the late XIX century.

The Piccolomini Library: copy of the original floor tiles, b...

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The Piccolomini Library: original floor tiles, by faentine manufacture of the early XVI century (?).

The Piccolomini Library: original floor tiles, by faentine m...

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The Piccolomini Library: bronze door-knocker of the internal doorway with bronze gate by Antonio di Giacomo Ormanni, known as Toniolo.

The Piccolomini Library: bronze door-knocker of the internal...

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The Piccolomini Library: Internal doorway with bronze gate by Antonio di Giacomo Ormanni, known as Toniolo. Detail of a pilaster on the internal doorway with grotesque motifs.

The Piccolomini Library: Internal doorway with bronze gate b...

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The Piccolomini Library: Internal doorway with bronze gate by Antonio di Giacomo Ormanni, known as Toniolo. Detail of a pilaster on the internal doorway with grotesque motifs.

The Piccolomini Library: Internal doorway with bronze gate b...

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The Piccolomini Library: Internal doorway with bronze gate by Antonio di Giacomo Ormanni, known as Toniolo.

The Piccolomini Library: Internal doorway with bronze gate b...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Back.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Back.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age. Back.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: base by Siena Scultpr (1502) for “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age.

The Piccolomini Library: base by Siena Scultpr (1502) for “T...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Roman Age.

The Piccolomini Library: “The Graces”, marble sculpture, Rom...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of Charity, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of Peace, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of Wisdom, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of Providence, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of the Seasons: “Summer”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of the Seasons: “Spring”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of the Seasons: “Winter”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of the Seasons: “Autumn”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling, panel with allegory of...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with scene of maritime thiasus (triton playing a trumpet, putti and a nereid), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with sc...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with scene of maritime thiasus (tritons, putto and a nereid), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with sc...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with scene of maritime thiasus (tritons, putto and a nereid), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with sc...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with scene of maritime thiasus (triton playing a trumpet, putti and a nereid), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with sc...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with scene of maritime thiasus (triton playing a trumpet, putti and a nereid), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: smaller panel with sc...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: dedicatory inscription along the short north-west side, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: dedicatory inscription...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: dedicatory inscription along the short south-east side, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: dedicatory inscription...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: “The Rape of Proserpina”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the panel Diana, in love with the shepherd Endymion who had been given the eternal sleep that would have spared him from old age and death, descends from her chariot accompanied by the Hours, goddesses of the seasons, one of whom carries a basket of flowers. A cupid precedes Diana to place a crown on the sleeping shepherd.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: “The Rape of Proserpin...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: “The Rape of Proserpina”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the panel Pluto rushes away in his chariot, Proserpine thrashes around in his arms and one of the goddess’ companions threatens Pluto with a stick.

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: “The Rape of Proserpin...

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The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: the art of Cardinal Todeschini Piccolomini, surrounded by a garland in high relief, by Lorenzo Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina (1502-3).

The Piccolomini Library, the ceiling: the art of Cardinal To...

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The Piccolomini Library: the ceiling, which is divided in 21 compartments surrounded by trompe l’ceil stucco borders and separated by a golden frieze, is due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio, and his workshop.

The Piccolomini Library: the ceiling, which is divided in 21...

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The Piccolomini Library: the ceiling, which is divided in 21 compartments surrounded by trompe l’ceil stucco borders and separated by a golden frieze, is due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio, and his workshop.

The Piccolomini Library: the ceiling, which is divided in 21...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the segment over the tenth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the segment over the ninth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the segment over the eighth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the segment over the seventh story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the segment over the sixth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, south-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the segment over the fourth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the segment over the third story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the segment over the second story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the segment over the first story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-east wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-west wall: the segment over the right window, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-west wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-west wall: the segment over the left window, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault, north-west wall: the seg...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south - west wall between the ninth and the tenth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with combat between a warrior and centaur. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south - west wall between the ninth and the tenth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with combat between a warrior and centaur.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south - west wall between the eighth and the ninth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with scene of sacrifice. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south - west wall between the eighth and the ninth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with scene of sacrifice.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south - west wall between the seventh and the eighth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with two young damsels restrained by an armed man. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south - west wall between the seventh and the eighth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with two young damsels restrained by an armed man.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south-east wall between the fifth and sixth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with allergy of a liberal art. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south-east wall between the fifth and sixth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with allergy of a liberal art.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-east wall between the third and the fourth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with a scene of an equestrian combat. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-east wall between the third and the fourth story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with a scene of an equestrian combat.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-east wall between the second and the third story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with a bishop saint in his study.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-east wall between the second and the third story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with a bishop saint in his study.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-east wall between the first and the second story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with a scene of a battle. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-east wall between the first and the second story, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with a scene of a battle.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-west wall, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with allergy of a liberal art. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north-west wall, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques. The general scheme of the vault is probably due to Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. At the centre grisaille with allergy of a liberal art.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: spandrel above the north...

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The Piccolomini Library, the vault: overall view of the vault, frescoes attributed to Girolamo del Pacchia, Giacomo Pacchiarotto and Littifredi Corbizi. The decoration is inspired by the Domus Aurea and the motif of the ancient grotesques.

The Piccolomini Library, the vault: overall view of the vaul...

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The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: stained glass of the big right window representing the arms of Cardinal Todeschini Piccolomini.

The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: stained glass of t...

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The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: stained glass of the big left window representing the arms of Cardinal Todeschini Piccolomini.

The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: stained glass of t...

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The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: detail of the left lunette with two angels bearing the arms of Pius III. In the Library, you can see the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: detail of the left...

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The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: detail of the right lunette with two angels bearing the arms of Pius II. In the Library, you can see the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: detail of the righ...

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The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: detail of the central fascia with the arms of Cardinal Todeschini Piccolomini and two Piccolomini coats quartered with the arms of Aragon. In the Library you can see the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: detail of the cent...

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The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: overall view of the wall in the Library, where you can see the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north west wall: overall view of th...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing putti riding a dolphin, grisaille below the pilaster between the tenth scene and the north-west wall.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing a triton bearing a cornucopia, grisaille below the pilaster between the tenth scene and the north-west wall.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with the harbour of Ancona and ships at anchor.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the walls of Ancona and the Cathedral of St. Ciriaco.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the walls of Ancona and the Cathedral of St. Ciriaco.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with, on the left, the Doge Cristoforo Moro, commander of the Venetian fleet and, on the right, the man in green is Hassan Zacharias, prince of Samos.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with part of the walls of Ancona.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with, at the centre, the blue dressed man Thomas Palaeologus, despot of the Morea.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two oriental men wearing a turban. The man in yellow is the Prince Djem, known as “the Little Turk”; the man in green is Hassan Zacharias, prince of Samos.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two oriental men wearing a turban. The man in yellow is the Prince Djem, known as “the Little Turk”; the man in green is Hassan Zacharias, prince of Samos.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the pope on the gestatory chair.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a falcon chasing a pheasant.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a falcon chasing a pheasant.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with, at the centre, the blue dressed man Thomas Palaeologus, despot of the Morea.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing the fleet about to leave from Ancona for the Holy Land”, the last one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II blessing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: pilaster between the ninth scene and the tenth scene of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the dado, the Piccolomini emblem surmounted by the papal tiara and supported by two putti.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: pilaster between...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing tow male figures fettered together and bearing a goblet, grisaille below the pilaster between the ninth story and the tenth one.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the baldachin with the Piccolomini arms and the Petrine keys.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of cardinals assisting at the ceremony of canonisation.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of cardinals assisting at the ceremony of canonisation.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of monks and laymen assisting at the ceremony of canonisation.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail: in the left background, two onlookers holding candles are presumed portraits of Raphael and Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonizes St. Catherine of Siena, June 29, 1461”, the ninth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the left background, two onlookers holding candles are presumed portraits of Raphael and Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II canonize...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: pilaster between the eighth scene and the ninth scene of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the dado, the Piccolomini emblem surmounted by the papal tiara and supported by two putti.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: pilaster between...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing a winged putto bearing the Piccolomini crescent and riding a bearded triton, grisaille below the pilaster between the eighth story and the ninth one.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene representing...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the landscape in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the architecture of the Hall of the Council.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the architecture of the Hall of the Council.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of Pius II in oratorical attitude. His hands making the enumeratio gesture.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of Pius II in oratorical attitude. His hands making the enumeratio gesture.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with the hands and book of one ambassador.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with cardinals.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with cardinals.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with ambassadors.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of a scholar in oriental dress and a carpet with books in the foreground

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of scholars in oriental dress in the foreground.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of Pius II in oratorical attitude. His hands making the enumeratio gesture.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides over the Diet of Mantua, June1, 1459”, the eighth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “ Pius II presides...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: pilaster between the seventh scene and the eighth scene of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the dado, the Piccolomini emblem surmounted by the papal tiara and supported by two putti.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: pilaster between...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene of the struggle of marine deities, grisaille below the pilaster between the seventh story and the eighth one.

The Piccolomini Library, south-west wall: scene of the strug...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the the edge of the baldachin with the emblem of the Piccolomini and the Petrine keys.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the mosaic in the half dome of the apse in St. Peter’s, and the edge of the baldachin with the emblem of the Piccolomini and the Petrine keys.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two secular onlookers.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two secular onlookers.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a kneeling priest burning a wisp of tow.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with the processing of the cardinals through the crowd of secular onlookers.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a cardinal carrying the pope’s chair and a gentleman holding the pope’s canopy.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of Aeneas Sylvius blessing the crowd from the gestatorial chair.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, elected pope with the name of Pius II, enters St. Peter’s, September 3, 1458”, the seventh one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south west wall: “Aeneas Sylvius, e...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-east wall: scene of the struggle of marine deities, grisaille below the pilaster between the sixth story and the seventh one.

The Piccolomini Library, south-east wall: scene of the strug...

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The Piccolomini Library, south-east wall: scene of the struggle of marine deities, grisaille below the pilaster between the sixth story and the seventh one.

The Piccolomini Library, south-east wall: scene of the strug...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius receives the Cardinal’s hat form Pope Calixtus III, December 17, 1456 ”, the sixth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with altarpiece showing the “Madonna and Child between St. James and St. Andrew”.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius re...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius receives the Cardinal’s hat form Pope Calixtus III, December 17, 1456 ”, the sixth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius re...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius receives the Cardinal’s hat form Pope Calixtus III, December 17, 1456 ”, the sixth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with some cardinals and elegant onlookers.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius re...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius receives the Cardinal’s hat form Pope Calixtus III, December 17, 1456 ”, the sixth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two elegant onlookers.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius re...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius receives the Cardinal’s hat form Pope Calixtus III, December 17, 1456 ”, the sixth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius re...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius receives the Cardinal’s hat form Pope Calixtus III, December 17, 1456 ”, the sixth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius re...

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The Piccolomini Library, sout-east wall: pilaster between the fifth scene and the sixth scene of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Below, the stucco aedicule with high-relief, an old copy of the “Expulsion from the Garden of Eden”, sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia for the Fonte Gaia.

The Piccolomini Library, sout-east wall: pilaster between t...

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Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): stucco aedicule with high-relief, an old copy of the “Expulsion from the Garden of Eden”, sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia for the Fonte Gaia.

Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): stucco aedicule with high-relief,...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius introduces Eleonora of Aragona to Frederick III, February 24, 1452 ”, the fifth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with armed men in the foreground. In the centre, the commemorative column with the coats of arms of the Habsburgs and Aragon. In the background, a view of Siena with the Duomo and Camollia Gate.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius in...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius introduces Eleonora of Aragona to Frederick III, February 24, 1452 ”, the fifth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with Agnese di Gabriele Francesco Farnese, the Eleanor’s cortege, the Malta Knight Alberto Aringhieri, in charge of the Cathedral works.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius in...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius introduces Eleonora of Aragona to Frederick III, February 24, 1452 ”, the fifth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with armed men. onlookers and horses.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius in...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius introduces Eleonora of Aragona to Frederick III, February 24, 1452 ”, the fifth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with armed men in the background and onlookers and a white horse in the foreground.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius in...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius introduces Eleonora of Aragona to Frederick III, February 24, 1452 ”, the fifth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius in...

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The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius introduces Eleonora of Aragona to Frederick III, February 24, 1452 ”, the fifth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, south east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius in...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: two tritonesses with entwined tails, grisaille below the pilaster between the fourth story and the fifth one.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: two tritonesses wi...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with Aeneas Sylvius kissing the foot of Eugenius IV.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with onlookers in the foreground and two halabardiers in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with onlookers in the foreground and the pope imposing the bishop’s galerus to Aeneas Sylvius in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with onlookers in the foreground and the pope imposing the bishop’s galerus to Aeneas Sylvius in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two sitting cardinals in the foreground.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with sitting cardinals.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with sitting cardinals.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with Aeneas Sylvius kissing the foot of Eugenius IV.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius makes an act of submission to Pope Eugenius IV, February 7, 1447 ”, the fourth one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius ma...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: pilaster between the third scene and the fourth scene of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the dado, the Piccolomini emblem surmounted by the papal tiara and supported by two putti.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: pilaster between...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: a triton threatening a siren, grisaille below the pilaster between the third and the fourth story.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: a triton threateni...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a genre scene inside the loggia of the palace in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a genre scene on the balcony of the palace in the background: man attacking a woman.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a genre scene at the wind of the palace in the background: woman hanging out clothes.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a genre scene on the balcony of the palace in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a genre scene inside the loggia of the palace in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with some onlookers.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two armed men on the steps in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with the Emperor Frederick III and some dignitaries.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of two card players on the steps in the background.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a group of armed men.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with two dignitaries.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a page and a putto.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is crowned poet laureate by the Emperor Frrederick III, July 27, 1442 ”, the third one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius is...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: pilaster between the second scene and the third scene of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. In the dado, the Piccolomini emblem surmounted by the papal tiara and supported by two putti.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: pilaster between t...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: nereid riding a triton, grisaille below the pilaster between the second and the third story.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: nereid riding a tr...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of landscape with a turreted fortress and plants.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the landscape with trees, hills, plants and wayfarer.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of landscape with lake seen through the arches of the loggia and detail of the turreted fortress on the left.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the audience.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the audience.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of a cardinal.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of court dignitaries.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of court dignitaries.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of Aeneas Sylvius, the king and court dignitaries.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius delivers an oration before King James I of Scotland, winter 1435”, the second one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius de...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: nereid riding a triton, grisaille below the pilaster between the first scene and the second one concerning Enea Silvio Piccolomini.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: nereid riding a tr...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: scene of maritime thiasus, grisaille below the corner pilaster between the north-west wall and the first scene.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: scene of maritime...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: scene of maritime thiasus, grisaille below the corner pilaster between the north-west wall and the first scene.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: scene of maritime...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of coastal landscape with a fortified harbour and sailing ships at anchor.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of coastal landscape with a fortified harbour and sailing ships at anchor.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of coastal landscape and stormy sky.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a halabardier, two sailing ships and two pages.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a Cardinal and two finely harnessed horses.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas SylviusPiccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with Cardinal Domenico Capranica riding a horse.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of mounted groom.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius jo...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail with a halabardier and a mounted cardinal.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of mounted groom holding a greyhound on a leash.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius j...

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The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the young future Pope.

The Piccolomini Library, north-east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius jo...

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The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius journeys to the Council of Basel, winter 1432”, the first one of the ten stories about Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini, future Pope Pius II, (1503 - 1508), fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, north east wall: “Aeneas Sylvius jo...

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The Piccolomini Library: view of the interior from the north - east, with the frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library: view of the interior from the north...

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The Piccolomini Library: view of the interior from the south-west, with the frescoes by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library: view of the interior from the south...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of young women and a nun.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of two young men of the Piccolomini family.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of a round alabardieri in the left foreground.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of a group of cardinals on the papal dais.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by a guard and a dashingly handsome young man.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by a guard and a dashingly handsome young man.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by a guard.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by a guard.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail representing an old man with a white beard.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by two guards.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by two guards.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio. Detail of the crowd of spectators held back by two guards.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register:”Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini receives the triple crown”, detail of “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register:”France...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coronation of Pope Pius III (October 8, 1503)”, fresco by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior upper register: “Coron...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: marble altar, by Alberto di Betto da Assisi.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: marble...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funerary Monument” to Bandini and Germanico Bandini”, by Siena sculptors of the XVI century. Detail of the angel on the right.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funera...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funerary Monument” to Bandini and Germanico Bandini”, by Siena sculptors of the XVI century. Detail of the angel on the left.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funera...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funerary Monument” to Bandini and Germanico Bandini”, by Siena sculptors of the XVI century. Detail of the Risen Christ.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funera...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funerary Monument” to Bandini and Germanico Bandini”, by Siena sculptors of the XVI century.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: “Funera...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaster: detail of a vase with grotesque motifs with winged putti and torche,. by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina, and assistant.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaste...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaster: detail of a vase with grotesque motifs with winged putti, birds and cornucopias, by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina, and assistant.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaste...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaster: detail of a vase with grotesque motifs with winged putti and torche,. by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina, and assistant.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaste...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaster: detail of a vase with an eagle with spread wings and a scene of fight between Hercules and Antaeus by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaste...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaster: detail of a vase with scene of a knight overcoming an enemy, by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade, pilaste...

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The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: tondo representing St. John the Evangelist, by Giovanni di Stefano.

The Piccolomini Library, the exterior marble façade: tondo r...

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Piccolomini Library: the lunette with the coat of arms of the Piccolomini, of the marble façade by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina e Giovanni di Stefano, 1497-99.

Piccolomini Library: the lunette with the coat of arms of th...

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Piccolomini Library: the lunette with the coat of arms of the Piccolomini, of the marble façade by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina e Giovanni di Stefano, 1497-99.

Piccolomini Library: the lunette with the coat of arms of th...

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Piccolomini Library: the marble doorway with double bronze gates by Antonio di Giacomo Ormanni, known as Toniolo. of the marble façade by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina e Giovanni di Stefano, 1497-99.

Piccolomini Library: the marble doorway with double bronze g...

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Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): the exterior of the Piccolomini Library. with the marble façade by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina e Giovanni di Stefano, 1497-99. On the left, “the funerary monument to Bandini e Germanico Bandini”, by XVI century Siena sculptors.

Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): the exterior of the Piccolomini Li...

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Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): the exterior of the Piccolomini Library. with the marble façade by Lorenzo di Mariano Fucci, known as Marrina e Giovanni di Stefano, 1497-99. In the upper register, “Coronation of Pope Pius III”, by Bernardino di Betto, known as Pinturicchio.

Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): the exterior of the Piccolomini Li...

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Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): the interior from the south-west. In the left aisle, the external façade of the Piccolomini Library.

Siena, Duomo (Cathedral): the interior from the south-west....