Domenico, Son of Pacio, by Cristiano Banti

The theme of the 1848 triennial competition was dedicated to Domenico Beccafumi, considered the founder of the 16th-century Sienese painting school. The work depicts a scene, reminiscent of that of Giotto and Cimabue, where Lorenzo Beccafumi, owner of the lands where Domenico's father worked, notices the boy's artistic talent. Impressed by his abilities, he decides to take him into his home, give him his surname, and support his studies, as recounted by Vasari. The scene is set in the Sienese countryside, with the city visible in the background. It is believed that Beccafumi's estate was located in "Le Cortine," in the Asciano area.