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Siena and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Frescoes: Tyrants, Tricksters, and Treasure with Kristin Stasiowski

Siena and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Frescoes: Tyrants, Tricksters, and Treasure with Kristin Stasiowski


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s frescoes in the Sala Dei Nove in Siena, Italy have inspired viewers for generations with their extended meditation on the relationship of “good and bad government” to the citizens of this beautiful Tuscan hill town. Known to art historians simply as the “buon governo” frescoes, this fresco cycle—completed just before the famous plague of 1348 known as the Black Death---is one of the first examples of an attempt to discuss ideas that would later be recognized as a form of early civic humanism.

This discussion will offer an in-depth reading of the images presented in this cycle with an emphasis placed on the intertextual nature of the political, philosophical, educational, and literary contexts that are presented in the series. By placing the frescoes in their original context, we will uncover and explore the historical realities of civic life in the Middle Ages with an eye to striking modern-day parallels especially in regard to the successes and failures of political leadership, social justice, and civic pride.

Led by an expert in Italian literature and history, Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D., this interactive seminar will introduce participants to the rich and dynamic history of the city of Siena through an in-depth discussion of this particular fresco cycle. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the relationship that art can have on civic life.

Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D. is the Assistant Dean of International Programs and Education Abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an Assistant Professor of Italian Language and Literature in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Kent State University. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University in Italian Language and Literature and has taught Italian language, literature, cinema, history, and culture in both Florence, Italy, and at Kent State. She recently published a chapter entitled "A Divine Comedy for All Time: Dante's Enduring Relevance for the Contemporary Reader" in Italian Pop Culture: Media, Product, Imageries. Rome, Italy: Viella Editrice s.r.. Her current research is focused on Dante, Boccaccio, and the modern poet Clemente Rebora.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
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J
J. (Vancouver, CA)
The more things change the more they stay the same.

Kristin (as usual) takes us on an excellent "tour" of the frescoes - she always gives an excellent grounding and brings enthusiasm and joy to her presentation.

A
A.

Wonderful! Kristin is a fantastic teacher—articulate, extremely knowledgeable, warm, thoughtful, with an amazing combination of concrete facts and fascinating abstract concepts. She’s a winner.

m
mary (Secaucus, US)
Context lives up to its name in this session

This session was everything loved about Context - it provided the historical and cultural background that drove the creation of the works of art discussed and explored the insights that made the significance and importance of these murals truly apparent. Dr Stasiowski is indefatigable in her enthusiasm and knows how to explain complex concepts with clarity. This session really provided the context needed to best appreciate the artwork. The slides were great as well.

J
Jeff Chilelli (Piscataway, US)
Good and Bad Government Explained

Kristin's discussion was clear, detailed and informative, learned, and interesting. She's an excellent expositor who leaves you searching for another of her presentations.

I
Irene Sterling (Belleville, US)
Can a city make you a better person?

Dr.Stasioski leads a thoughtful and passionate inquiry into Siena’s quest for civic virtue that resonates today. This is one of the best Context seminars I have enjoyed

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
100%
(10)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J. (Vancouver, CA)
The more things change the more they stay the same.

Kristin (as usual) takes us on an excellent "tour" of the frescoes - she always gives an excellent grounding and brings enthusiasm and joy to her presentation.

A
A.

Wonderful! Kristin is a fantastic teacher—articulate, extremely knowledgeable, warm, thoughtful, with an amazing combination of concrete facts and fascinating abstract concepts. She’s a winner.

m
mary (Secaucus, US)
Context lives up to its name in this session

This session was everything loved about Context - it provided the historical and cultural background that drove the creation of the works of art discussed and explored the insights that made the significance and importance of these murals truly apparent. Dr Stasiowski is indefatigable in her enthusiasm and knows how to explain complex concepts with clarity. This session really provided the context needed to best appreciate the artwork. The slides were great as well.

J
Jeff Chilelli (Piscataway, US)
Good and Bad Government Explained

Kristin's discussion was clear, detailed and informative, learned, and interesting. She's an excellent expositor who leaves you searching for another of her presentations.

I
Irene Sterling (Belleville, US)
Can a city make you a better person?

Dr.Stasioski leads a thoughtful and passionate inquiry into Siena’s quest for civic virtue that resonates today. This is one of the best Context seminars I have enjoyed