Medici Villa La Petraia, courtyard: “Triumphal entry of Cosimo I into Siena”, fresco from the cycle of the Fasti Medicei by Volterrano (Baldassarre Franceschini), 1636-1647.In 1555 Cosimo I de' Medici conquered Siena with the help of the Imperials, a military feat which later earned him the title of Grand Duke, therefore a crucial moment for the Medici house. The fresco, with clear celebratory intentions, shows Cosimo making his triumphal entry into the city gates on a golden chariot, followed by a large group of dignitaries, welcomed by the Sienese senators and some citizens. Above, a winged Victory crowns him with a laurel wreath.
