La Mangia, Siena

 

John Taylor Arms

  1887 - 1953 (biography)

1927  

etching 

15 x 7 15/16" platemark 

pencil, lower right 

115 

pencil dated 1927 after the signature; plate is inscribed ARMS 1927 at the foot of the arch and "La Torre Del Mangia, Siena" along the lower plate edge 

Fletcher 192; Italian series 10; Arms 194; LOC 201 

cream laid Arches with partial watermark 

i/i 

artist 

24599 

$1,200.00 

The Torre del Mangia is a 14th century tower that dominates the Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena. The tower was designed by two architect brothers, Muccio and Francesco Di Rinaldo and was completed within a decade. It was constructed in brick with a stone cornice and belfry and was named after a spendthrift, gluttonous bell clanger who earned the nickname of Mangiaguadagi (the earnings eater). Despite its height which exceeds 245 feet, the Torre del Mangia is the third or fourth tallest historic tower in Italy. The walls are over nine feet thick on each side. Visitors who mount the steps of the tower are rewarded with a stupendous view of Siena and beyond.