Segna di Buonaventura, also known as Segna de Bonaventura or simply Segna, was an Italian painter of the Sienese School during the early 14th century. His exact birth and death dates are not precisely known, but he is believed to have been active between 1298 and 1331. Segna was a contemporary of Duccio di Buoninsegna, one of the most influential artists of his time and a key figure in the development of the Italian Gothic style.
Segna's work is characterized by the typical traits of the Sienese School, including an emphasis on decorative patterns, elegance, and the use of line. His figures often display a sense of grace and delicacy, with elongated proportions and a soft, gentle approach to their features, much in keeping with the aesthetic preferences of his era. While he is not as well known as other masters like Duccio or Simone Martini, his contribution to the Sienese School is nonetheless significant.
Segna's most notable surviving works include the 'Madonna with Child' in the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Siena and a crucifix in the church of San Domenico in Arezzo. He is also known for several other crucifixes and a number of panel paintings depicting various religious subjects. His style shows a clear influence from Duccio, under whom it is speculated he may have studied, or with whom he may have collaborated.
Little is known about Segna's life beyond his artistic production. Documentation that refers to him is sparse, and as such, art historians have had to piece together his biography from the works he left behind and the few contemporary records that mention him. Despite the lack of personal details, Segna di Buonaventura's work contributes to our understanding of the Sienese School's development and the broader narrative of Italian Gothic painting.