Pandolfo Petrucci

Pandolfo Petrucci was an Italian merchant and politician who succeeded in gaining supreme power over Siena. Although an absolute ruler, he did a great deal to augment the artistic splendor of his native city.

Exiled from Siena as a supporter of the noveschi, a mercantile-banking oligarchy which was briefly outcast by the ruling popolo, Petrucci returned in 1487 and began to take advantage of the struggles among various political factions. Gradually, Petrucci emerged as a leader of the noveschi, acquiring so much authority and wealth that he became the actual despot of Siena with the title of signore (lord). He consolidated his power by surrounding himself with supporters whose loyalty was guaranteed by the income they received from certain public lands. Although he was a despotic ruler, Petrucci secured economic advantages for the city, reformed the monetary system, and protected arts and letters.