Siena: Piccolomini Frescoes

These ten frescoes, painted by Bernardino di Betto, called Pinturicchio, depict important events in the life of Siena's favorite son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini (1405-1464). Here, he leaves for the Council of Basel, where, as a young man, he made his first big impression. The storm in the background is a western art first.

Here we see Enea as the Papal ambassador to the Scottish Court.

Enea crowned court poet by Emperor Frederick III.

Enea makes an act of submission to Pope Eugene IV.

As Bishop of Siena, Enea presents emperor Frederick III to his bride-to-be, Eleanora of Portugal at the Porta Camollia in Siena.

In 1456, Enea gets his red cardinal's hat.

In 1458, Enea is elected pope, and takes the name Pius II.

Pius II convokes a Diet of Princes at Mantua, where a new crusade against the infidels in proclaimed.

In 1461 Pius II canonizes Siena's favorite daughter, Saint Catherine of Siena.

Pius II celebrates the launching of the crusade in Ancona.