Abstract

The prolific activity of senese painter Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551) as book illustrator is still not very well known. After the recent rediscoveries of three series of virgilian and ariostean woodcuts for the venetian typography, the small xylography made to celebrate the victory of the battle of Porta Camollia in Siena (1526) is a minor work in the eclectic career of this mannerist artist that allows us to discuss the complex political situation of the Tuscan city in the first part of 16th century and to reconnect this commitment in the framework of senese publishing industry and Beccafumi's abundant production as an engraver.