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The Good Government in the Office of Gabella: A Symbol of Wisdom and Liberty in 15th Century Siena

In 1474, one of Siena’s most iconic works of art was created: The Good Government in the Office of Gabella. This Biccherna panel, measuring just 53×34 cm and preserved in the State Archives of Siena, captures the essence of governance and public administration in 15th-century Siena. Attributed to the master Sano di Pietro, the panel intertwines art and civic duty, showcasing the principles of good governance and social justice, two values that were crucial to the city’s prosperity.

Siena, in the 15th century, was one of Tuscany’s most powerful and culturally rich city-states. As the city expanded economically, managing public finances became vital to sustain the infrastructure and services that kept Siena thriving. The Office of Gabella was in charge of collecting indirect taxes, such as duties and consumption taxes, which were key to funding the city’s administration. In this context, good governance wasn’t just about balancing financial accounts—it was seen as a moral commitment to the welfare of the community.

In The Good Government in the Office of Gabella, various figures central to Siena’s public administration are depicted, including the camerlengo and a scribe. But the most striking element is the allegorical figure representing good governance itself. The figure, an elderly nobleman clad in black and white, sits on a throne, symbolizing the moral foundation of ethical leadership. Holding a scepter in his right hand, the figure represents legitimate authority and wisdom, while the black and white sphere in his left hand suggests the balance that just governance must maintain. Above the figure, the phrase “KI BEN MINISTRA REMEGNA” translates to “He who governs well, reigns.” This motto reinforces the idea that a government’s ability to administer wisely is directly tied to its legitimacy and the city’s flourishing.

Behind the figure, the inscription “Libertas” underscores the concept of freedom—an important value for Siena and other Italian city-states at the time. This liberty was not just about political independence from external powers but also about ensuring fair and sound governance within the city, offering equal opportunities and justice for all citizens.

The panel has traditionally been attributed to Sano di Pietro, one of Siena’s most notable artists of the 15th century, though some art historians, like Berenson, have suggested it could be the work of Benvenuto di Giovanni. Regardless of the exact artist, the symbolic use of color and attributes in the work is remarkable. The black and white sphere, the scepter, and the nobleman’s dignified pose reflect the Renaissance ideals of virtue and balance, values Siena sought to embody. The theme of good governance was particularly important in Siena, which considered itself a model of political harmony and justice.

The Good Government in the Office of Gabella is much more than a piece of art—it is a statement of Siena’s political values and an enduring symbol of how the city envisioned its administration. The work speaks to the idea that justice, equity, and wisdom in governance are the foundations of a prosperous and free society, a message that remains relevant to this day.