| According to the incription this is a painting on wood, the cover of the Account Book of Receipts and Payments of the community of Siena in the time of Don Francesco di Lorenzo, chamberlain, begun 14/7/1456 and finished in December of that year. In 1455 the city suffered siege and the very existence of the Republic was in danger. Following the miraculous intervention of the Virgin the pope came to its aid. Above, the Annunciation is flanked by a bearded Bernard carrying a red book and the pope. Below, two groups of young men praying for a crusade against the Turks who shortly before had conquered Constantinople. Below them are the arms of the chamberlain, four executors, and notary of the day.
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