This volume of essays explores some of the ways in which art was used to express, to celebrate, and to promote the political and religious aims and aspirations of those in power in the city states of central Italy in the 13th and 14th centuries. The contributions focus on Siena, Arezzo, Pisa and Orvieto, and range over a number of media: fresco, panel painting, sculpture, metalwork and translucent enamel. Employing a variety of methods and approaches, these essays offer insights into some of the key artistic projects of the period.