Power in the hands

Until January 6, in the halls of Piccolomini Palace in Pienza, it will be possible to visit the exhibition “Il potere nelle mani - Due Bastoni del Comando nella collezione della famiglia Piccolomini” (Power in the hands - Two Swagger Sticks in the Piccolomini family collection).

The exhibition aims to introduce visitors to and appreciate some little-known objects that are kept inside the Palace. In fact, in this first exhibit, two swagger sticks, usually kept in the Hall of Arms on the main floor of the papal residence, will be on display.

The two wooden objects refer to the 17th and 18th centuries and feature the coats of arms of the Piccolomini and Medici families; they are very valuable and one in particular testifies to the link between the Sienese and Florentine families. The two objects will be displayed and compared with the valuable swagger stick of Florentine manufacture, which belonged to Mattias de' Medici (1613-1667).

Accompanying the exhibit are a number of canes from more recent eras that testify to how the object has survived over time, changing its functions and stylistic characteristics depending on the historical-cultural period in which they were made.

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the time through reading the explanatory panels and reproduced portraits that decorate the walls of the room: history, art, and costume of the 17th century intersect, bringing the historical, cultural, and artistic moment to life. These portraits, some of the Medici family, others of the Sienese family, can be admired on the main floor of the Palace where they are kept.

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