From October 18, 2024, to February 16, 2025, the Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia will host a significant exhibition titled “The Renaissance in Brescia: Moretto, Romanino, Savoldo 1512 – 1552”. This event aims to highlight the artistic legacy of the great Brescian masters through a journey that will feature works from six American museums and important European collections.
An Encounter Between Art and History
The exhibition will provide visitors with the opportunity to admire not only the paintings of renowned artists Alessandro Bonvicino, known as Moretto, Girolamo Romanino, and Giovanni Gerolamo Savoldo, but also precious art objects. Among these are ancient musical instruments, majolica plates, and historical armor. The central theme of the exhibition revolves around universal emotions such as poetry, nature, music, love, faith, and desire, creating a connection between the artistic works and the daily life of 16th-century Brescia.
Rediscovering Brescian Sixteenth Century
This initiative represents an important opportunity to explore the complexity of Brescian cultural life in the 16th century. Despite numerous studies conducted on the three main artists, there has been a lack of an overarching narrative that addresses the contradictions and challenges of the period. The exhibition aims to fill this gap through a selection of emblematic works.
Among the significant figures presented will be Fortunato Martinengo, a Brescian nobleman portrayed by Moretto in a famous painting housed at the National Gallery in London. Additionally, social events linked to figures such as Gerolamo Martinengo and Eleonora Gonzaga will be highlighted, showcasing grand celebrations that also gave voice to women of the time, such as Angela Merici.
The Restoration of “Young Man with Flute”
A particularly noteworthy piece within the exhibition is “Young Man with Flute,” created by Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo around 1525. This painting has recently undergone an extensive restoration thanks to the support of UniCredit and the expertise of Brescian restorer C. Fasser. The intervention not only allowed for a careful cleaning of the artwork but also revealed previously hidden details. The results have restored greater brightness to the original colors while maintaining the melancholic atmosphere typical of the artist’s style.
In conclusion, the exhibition “The Renaissance in Brescia” promises to be an immersive experience that will lead visitors to rediscover the art and culture of Brescian sixteenth century through a unique combination of artworks and significant historical objects.
Italian Version
