Scuola emiliana (XVII–XVIII) - San Petronio, vescovo e patrono di Bologna

Emilian school, Bologna area XVII–XVIII century, circa 1680–1750 “ San Petronio, vescovo e patrono di Bologna “ Oil on panel 33 × 26 cm Technical data Scope: emilian school, probably Bologna Subject: Saint Petronio, bishop and patron of Bologna Proposed dating: late 17th – first half of the 18th century, about 1680–1750 Technique: oil on panel Dimensions: 33 × 26 cm Support: wooden panel Genre: devotional painting – iconography of a bishop saint Description of the work The small panel depicts an elderly bearded bishop saint, shown in half-length and turned slightly three-quarter. The figure wears the mitre and a rich cope, while beside the figure appears the great episcopal pastoral staff, characterized by an elaborate curled volute. The gathered and severe expression and the monumental quality given to the figure, despite the modest size of the panel, restore to the character a strong sacred dignity. Particularly significant is the detail visible on the right of the composition, where there is a small architectural or urban representation. This element allows proposing the identification of the saint with Saint Petronio, bishop and patron of Bologna. Iconographic identification The hypothesis of Saint Petronio is supported by the saint's iconographic tradition, frequently represented in episcopal garments with mitre and pastoral staff and accompanied by the model or view of the city of Bologna, his identifying attribute. The General Catalog of Cultural Heritage documents, for example, a Saint Petronio by Mastelletta of 1615 in which the saint appears with mitre, pastoral staff and model of the city of Bologna; the presence of the city thus constitutes a particularly significant iconographic element. The support The reverse shows an old wooden panel, strongly patinated and affected by numerous signs of time. Irregularities in the wood, old fillings and localized interventions are visible, along with a suspension system evidently later. Condition Report The work shows a conservation state consistent with its age, with widespread signs of aging. The painted surface shows craquelure, wear, abrasions and some losses or discontinuities of the paint film. There are areas that could have been involved by previous conservation interventions, fillings or paint retouches. Shipment insured Attributive Expertise Report *** For historical interest, the work cannot be shipped outside the European Community / insured shipment in a wooden crate

Estimate:£418.19

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