It was the day of Il Palio, Siena's famed horse racing festival.

Il Palio is held twice a year: July 2 and August 16.  They are possibly the most important dates of the year for many people living in this medieval hilltop town in Tuscany.  On these days, horses representing the town's various neighborhoods run on the huge town square called Piazza del Campo.  A winning horse brings the impeccable glory and the bragging rights to the neighborhood that hosted it.  So it is a serious game and so much time and energy is invested all year in each neighborhood, I heard.

The morning sunlight was already intense.  The streets were filled with people getting ready for the biggest event of the year.  Colorful banners were hung from virtually every window of the buildings.  Excitement was building up.  The race would be on shortly...


Siena, Italy II (Il Palio)

Click here for a larger image of "Siena, Italy II" painting.

Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 16.5 x 14  in.
Mat: Available
Mat Size: 24 x 20 in. (color: off-white)
Purchase: Please send me an email for more details.


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