Sabine Nehls, QPSA, EFIAP
October 2025 - Piccolomini Library
About the Image(s)
Siena was our first highlight during our wonderful trip to Italy.
Naturally, it was overrun with tourists, but they visited the Siena Cathedral with awe and respect.
A truly magnificent building with wonderful inlay work on the floor. The black-and-white striped marble pillars are also eye-catching.
There's another gem there, the Piccolomini Library.
Beautiful volumes are on display, but the real attraction are the paintings by Pinturicchio. The walls depict the life of Pope Pius II and are continued even on the ceiling. In the center of the room stands a copy of the sculpture of the "Three Graces."
I was overwhelmed; there was so much to discover, but as you can see from the photo, time was limited.
It was important to me to capture the impressive space and its atmosphere.
Canon EOS R7, 10mm, f/5, 1/60 sec., ISO 1000.
Slight distortion is caused by the focal length.
11 comments posted
Beautiful photograph. It does show the magnificent space, the inlayed floor, the paintings on the walls and the even the ceiling as well as the sculpture in the center.
While it would have been great to have the empty room, having the other tourists in the room also helps to tell the story. It shows the respect and appreciation so many people have the library. Posted: 10/07/2025 19:48:10
While it would have been great to have the empty room, having the other tourists in the room also helps to tell the story. It shows the respect and appreciation so many people have the library. Posted: 10/07/2025 19:48:10
Thank you for your comments, Sylvia. I, too, stood in the library filled with awe and admiration. My admiration goes out to the people who created this magnificent space. And they did so at a time when there was no artificial light. How could they, for example, paint the ceilings with only natural light? The artists have created something great. Posted: 10/12/2025 15:20:36
Sabine, the information I read about the Siena Cathedral and the historical significance of the Piccolomini Library was very interesting. Your photo captures the exquisite details of the library nicely while maintaining much of the fine detail in the stain-glass windows using the same exposure setting. The facial expression of the tourist in the room reveals a sense of awe at what they see and adds interest to this image. The distortion from the focal length used is can be a distraction but adds a certain artistic quality to this image that is pleasing to me. I can just imagine how overwhelming it must feel to see everything in this room. Very well done. Thank you for sharing. Posted: 10/12/2025 13:42:31
I spent a long time thinking about which picture to show our group, Jim.
Of course, I also photographed the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but I was overwhelmed by these wonderful interiors, whether it was the Cathedral of Siena, the Pisa Cathedral, or this library. Simply fantastic. Posted: 10/12/2025 15:28:33
Of course, I also photographed the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but I was overwhelmed by these wonderful interiors, whether it was the Cathedral of Siena, the Pisa Cathedral, or this library. Simply fantastic. Posted: 10/12/2025 15:28:33
Had you not disclosed some of the details around the photo I could have believed that the other tourists were models! The photo would not have been nearly as interesting if you had the library to yourself.
The only slight edit that I wanted was to add some light to the three graces statue -- it's slightly lighter than the rest and I was hoping for more! Posted: 10/12/2025 21:29:11
The only slight edit that I wanted was to add some light to the three graces statue -- it's slightly lighter than the rest and I was hoping for more! Posted: 10/12/2025 21:29:11
A good idea to make the Three Graces a bit brighter so they stand out from the background. Thanks for the
suggestion,Douglas. Posted: 10/16/2025 16:59:39
suggestion,Douglas. Posted: 10/16/2025 16:59:39
Sabine, Your Piccolomini Library captures the atmosphere of the Siena Cathedral. The focal length distortion calls attention to the tourists' body position and facial expressions of awe while showcasing the library's beauty. I agree that the basilica's beauty and history is overwhelming and you try to take it all in with your camera . You did a great job in capturing the atmosphere and beauty of this space. Posted: 10/13/2025 12:41:26
Yvonne,Thank you for your kind words, and I'm glad I was able to express the atmosphere, the wonderful details of this room, and my admiration. Posted: 10/16/2025 17:08:16
It is easy to see why you were overwhelmed by this room. There is a lot going on! I think you've captured the room nicely and show the detail of it very well. One image of this room cannot possibly do it justice, but I have been looking at the detail of it all and am very impressed. This one image does capture the detail of the architecture and paintings in every corner. As you mentioned above, it is amazing that they created this much detail using only natural light. It is also amazing that something like this is still standing and in such good condition. Glad you enjoyed your trip. Posted: 10/14/2025 20:15:36
Thank you for writing such a detailed description of the photo, Randy.
I can only say the whole trip was wonderful. All the buildings, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the cathedrals, were simply impressive. Posted: 10/16/2025 17:12:51
I can only say the whole trip was wonderful. All the buildings, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the cathedrals, were simply impressive. Posted: 10/16/2025 17:12:51
Sabine, what an absolutely breathtaking space you captured! The Piccolomini Library is stunning, and you've done an excellent job conveying the grandeur and richness of this magnificent room. Your composition really showcases the incredible architectural details-those ornate frescoes, the beautiful arched ceiling, the stained glass windows, and that gorgeous inlay floor work. I love how you've included the visitors in the frame; they add scale and help us appreciate just how impressive this space is, while also capturing that sense of awe and reverence people feel when experiencing such historic beauty. The warm golden tones throughout create a magical atmosphere. You succeeded beautifully in capturing both the impressive space and its special atmosphere-this is a wonderful travel photograph and a great memory of your Italian journey! Posted: 10/20/2025 17:50:15