Daria Kolpashnikova
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
Activity of Enea Silvio Piccolomini was aimed at glorifying his hometown, the memory of his family and his own acts. He had a curious life merging a Renaissance humanist and an important religious figure. He shows a rather rare example of a Renaissance memoirist. His “Commentarii rerum memorabilium” reflect the formation of his personality and his role in the Italian history. Pieces of art related to him pursued the same goal. We can divide them into those that were commissioned by him and those that were created according to the order of his contemporaries and followers.
Piccolomini came from an ancient family and wished to glorify his kin and his home town. This wish is revealed in his patronage of art. He turns his place of birth, a small town Corsignano, into Pienza — an ideal city according to humanists’ conception.
Main buildings of the city gave the possibility to express his origin and cultural predilections. Windows of the palace overlook Siena, where the future Pope was bred, and a beautiful landscape. The architectural ensemble reflects his personal memories. The innovative architectural setting of the palazzo Piccolomini is enriched with antique decorations. The Duomo of Pienza reproduces the structure of hall churches that are typical for Germany and impressed the Pope. This ensemble is important for the history of the Renaissance urban planning and perpetuates the memory of a current historical character.
The Sienese were proud of the link between Pius II and Siena. They emphasized this by depicting significant moments of his life on biccherne. The history of life of E. S. Piccolomini is commemorated in the decoration of the library in the Duomo of Siena. Pinturicchio realized this work of art after his death according to the order of his nephew, cardinal Francesco Piccolomini. The patron based the programme of the murals on the text of “Commentarii”. The library became a symbol of the cardinal’s gratitude. It contains the further commemoration and glorification of the Piccolomini family and his great relative.