I discovered a fascinating link between Scotland and the glorious art of Siena

On the 9th June 1311, the largest and most magnificent altar panel ever created was revealed to an excited crowd which gathered outside the workshop of the artist Duccio di Buoninsegna at the top of via Stallareggi in Siena. Three days of public holiday had been declared during which church bells were to ring out, shops to close, alms to be given to the poor and then, led by the bishop, the masterpiece, known as the Maestà, was to be carried through the streets in a solemn candle-lit procession with trumpets and kettledrums playing, before being ensconced within the cathedral.

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