il camarlingo e lo scrittore nel loro ufficio

Bartolomeo Bulgarini's depiction of the Camarlingo (treasurer) and scribe in their office (c. 1353) is a rare example of secular civic painting from the Sienese Trecento. The Biccherna and Gabella were the financial magistracies of the Sienese Republic, and it was customary to commission painted covers for their account books depicting the officials in office during each term. These Biccherna panels constitute one of the most remarkable series of civic art from medieval Italy, documenting both administrative life and the evolution of Sienese painting over several centuries.

Tempera and gold on panel in the small Biccherna cover format, depicting two officials at work in an architectural interior. Bulgarini adapts his devotional painting skills to this civic subject with careful attention to the administrative setting, costumes, and the individualized features of the officials.