Palio di Siena by Teddy Hansen

The Palio di Siena is a horse race held twice a year in Siena, Italy. Ten horses and riders, bareback, race

round the Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena.

I like this race because the horses do not require a rider to win the race, meaning it’s all about the animals and not the people.

The painting shows a horse running in the race. Only part of the rider’s head is showing on the canvas, showing how he isn’t the star of the race.

Around the horse’s leg is an enclosure filled with people. Normally horses would be in an enclosure surrounded by spectators. The Palio di Siena race is run around the outside of the square; the viewers stand in the middle.

To the left of the horse, you see a podium, with horses standing on the steps rather than people.

Mixed media on canvas.

105H x 96W cm

2025