The Life and Commissions of Dietisalvi di Speme
Dietisalvi di Speme was an Italian painter active in Siena between 1250 and 1291. His name, which translates to "May-God-Save-You (son) of Hope," is thought to be a name often given to children raised as orphans. Historical records from the Biccherna, the financial administration of Siena, indicate his involvement in decorating the covers of accounting books. Between 1259 and 1288, he is noted for painting approximately 56 such covers, though only four have survived. These surviving works include decorations for the years 1264, 1267, 1270, and 1282.
Beyond these administrative decorations, Dietisalvi's career included various civic and religious commissions. In 1262, he painted a gonfalon, a civic processional banner, for the Terzo di San Martino. He also executed an inscription for the Palazzo Pubblico in 1281 or 1291 and decorated two chests in 1285 and 1291. His residency in Siena was recorded in the contrada of Sant'Egidio de' Malavolti and later in the contrada of San Donato.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
The evolution of Dietisalvi's style is visible through his surviving works, moving toward a greater similarity with the work of Giunta Pisano and Cimabue, as well as the freer strokes of Guido da Siena. His technique showed a movement toward a more substantial depiction of bodies and a greater attention to color. Some of his attributed works include:
His later career is associated with a cross in the Museo delle pie disposizioni, which shows influence from Cimabue's Maestà. Additionally, some frescoes in the crypt of Siena Cathedral, such as the depiction of the Kiss of Judas, are considered to be his work.
