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Siena, a rare early 15th-century wooden crucifix returns to view restored. Attributed to little-documented artist

by Redazione , published on 07/09/2025
Categories: Ancient art / Disclaimer
In Siena, a rare example of early 15th-century wooden sculpture is back on view: a large wooden Crucifix from the Certosa di San Niccolò in Maggiano that has been attributed to Alberto di Betto d'Assisi, a still little-documented but outstanding sculptor.

A rare example of early 15th-century wooden sculpture has returned to public view: it is the large wooden crucifix attributed to Alberto di Betto d’Assisi, now on display in theOratory of San Bernardino, home of the Diocesan Museum of Siena.

Coming from the Certosa di San Niccolò in Maggiano, the work was attributed to the Umbrian sculptor thanks to the research of art historian Alessandro Bagnoli, who promoted the project. Few works are known of the sculptor, so this find is particularly significant. Restoration has made it possible to preserve its integrity, and its inclusion in the museum itinerary ensures its protection and enhancement.

The initiative, coordinated by Don Enrico Grassini, director of the Archdiocese’s Cultural Heritage Office, benefited from the collaboration of art historians Federico Nassi and Riccardo Cacopardo. The conservation work, entrusted to Luca Bellaccini, was financed with 8×1000 funds from the CEI. The delicate handling of the Crucifix was aided by NucleoArt of the Archconfraternity of Mercy of Siena, while the installation at the Diocesan Museum was made possible through the support of theOpera della Metropolitana di Siena.

The wooden Crucifix
The Wooden Crucifix

The presence of two sculptures referable to Alberto di Betto d’Assisi in the Diocesan Museum allows for a deeper understanding of a still little-documented but important artist. As Bagnoli recalls, the sculptor “had to settle for a time in Siena, after wandering around the construction sites of great cathedrals such as that of Milan, where he is documented in 1414, and that of Barcelona, where he is present in 1419.”

Also decisive was the willingness of the parish priest and the Maggiano parish community, who made possible the enhancement of a work kept for centuries far from the public gaze. The crucifix thus becomes once again an integral part of the artistic and spiritual heritage of the city of Siena.

The wooden crucifix
The wooden crucifix

Siena, a rare early 15th-century wooden crucifix returns to view restored. Attributed to little-documented artist
Siena, a rare early 15th-century wooden crucifix returns to view restored. Attributed to little-documented artist


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