Modern Italian boys and men wear wigs and historical costumes for the Historical Procession that precedes the Palio, the famous horse race that since 1287 takes place twice a year in Siena. Siena is divided in 17 quarters that have odd names like Snale, Giraffe, Dragon, etc. They each have their own colourful flags and costumes. During 15 years that in periods I lived and worked near Siena I started paining a series of portraits of these men and boys. 17 are finished now. More to come!