National Art Gallery of Bologna

The National Art Gallery of Bologna is an artistic gem in the heart of the city, offering a comprehensive overview of Emilian painting from the 13th to the 18th century. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of the Academy of Fine Arts, located in the same building that was once a Jesuit novitiate. The Pinacoteca was established in 1808, but its roots go back to the Napoleonic suppressions that led to the confiscation of numerous works of art from churches and convents in the area, creating an invaluable collection. The building housing the Pinacoteca is itself a work of art. Designed by Alfonso Torreggiani between 1728 and 1735, it underwent a radical transformation from a religious institution to a museum complex. The establishment of the Academy of Fine Arts under Napoleon marked a turning point, with the Pinacoteca becoming a center for the conservation and exhibition of works of art. The collection of the Pinacoteca is organized into different thematic sections, each dedicated to a period or artistic movement. It starts from the 13th century with works by artists such as Vitale da Bologna and the Pseudo Jacopino di Francesco, passing through the Gothic period with artists like Simone dei Crocifissi. This initial phase of the collection is characterized by intense spirituality and a strong Byzantine influence, evident in religious icons and crucifixes. Continuing through the exhibition path, we reach the Renaissance period, where works by Francesco Francia, Perugino, and the famous “Ecstasy of Saint Cecilia” by Raphael stand out, a masterpiece that attracts visitors from all over the world. This period is marked by attention to detail and a search for formal perfection, visible in the representations of the Madonna and the saints. The 16th century sees the presence of artists like Parmigianino, with his “Madonna and Child with Saints Margaret, Jerome, and Petronius,” and the great El Greco, whose “Last Supper” shines for its mannerist colors. The works of this period reflect a transition towards mannerism, with elongated figures and dynamic compositions that break with the static nature of the Renaissance. The Pinacoteca would not be complete without mentioning the Carracci, Annibale, Agostino, and Ludovico, who revolutionized Bolognese art with their innovative approach that mixed realism and monumentality. Their Academy of the Incamminati formed a generation of artists who deeply influenced the artistic scene of the time. Their paintings, like those in the Pinacoteca’s rooms, show a return to nature and a rediscovery of light and color. The experience of visiting the National Art Gallery of Bologna is enriched by the artworks saved from demolished or ruined religious buildings, such as the precious frescoes from the church of Santa Apollonia di Mezzaratta. These frescoes, carefully transferred to the museum, recreate the atmosphere of medieval churches, offering a unique immersive experience. Equally important are the works of artists like Giotto, with his “Polyptych of Bologna,” and Guido Reni, whose style deeply influenced Baroque painting. The Pinacoteca also houses masterpieces by international artists such as Titian and Tintoretto, which testify to the city’s openness to external cultural influences.