Medieval Civic Museum – BOLOGNA
November 22, 2025 – February 22, 2026
Medieval Civic Museum – BOLOGNA
November 22, 2025 – February 22, 2026
The Medieval Civic Museum of Bologna is dedicating a major monographic exhibition, its first ever, to Bartolomeo Cesi, a leading figure in the Bolognese art scene between the 16th and 17th centuries.
An artist deeply rooted in spirituality and religious patronage, Cesi stands out from the celebrated Carraccis with a personal, meditative style, in which solemn figures and silent landscapes reveal an intense search for balance between form and faith. His works, often destined for churches and convents, were also appreciated by Guido Reni, who recognized their profound spiritual coherence.
The exhibition, curated by Vera Fortunati, is divided into three thematic sections with over 30 works, including paintings, drawings, and large altarpieces, some of which have been restored for the occasion. The exhibition traces Cesi’s artistic evolution from his early Mannerist influences to his dialogue with Carracci’s naturalism, highlighting his ability to combine compositional rigor and emotional intensity.
The exhibition finds a natural complement in the new 16th and 17th-century rooms of the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, where Cesi’s works dialogue directly with those of the Carracci, offering a comprehensive overview of Bolognese painting of the time.
A unique opportunity to rediscover a master who knew how to combine art and spirituality, restoring to history the value of a painter as reserved as he was essential to understanding Bologna’s figurative culture between the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The widespread nature of the exhibition also makes works in churches and other city venues accessible, allowing visitors to appreciate the artist’s important role in his time. In particular, thanks to virtual reality, you can fully review the cycle painted by Cesi in the Chapel of Santa Maria dei Bulgari in the Archiginnasio Palace, lost following a bombing in 1944.
Cesi’s painting, which pushes the observer towards a suspended and contemplative dimension, continues to speak to us too. His images, created to accompany spiritual journeys, invite meditation and reflection.
The exhibition is promoted by the Municipality of Bologna – with the Civic Museums of Ancient Art of the Civic Museums Sector and the Municipal library of the Archiginnasio of the Libraries and Cultural Welfare Sector – and Archdiocese of Bologna and organized in the context of Jubilee 2025 promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization.
With theparticipation of: National Museums of Bologna – Management Regional National Museums Emilia-Romagna.
Main partner: Hera Group.
Sponsor: Royal College of Spain.
In collaboration with: Cultural Buildings Fund, Bologna Welcome Foundation, Passionist Fathers Bologna.
With the contribution of: Ascom Confcommercio Bologna, Profiles S.P.A., Rotary eClub 2072, Fondantico by Tiziana Sassoli.
With the patronage of: Emilia-Romagna Region, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna | Department of Arts
For more information, visit website Museo Civico Medievale
Caption exhibition guide image:
Bartolomeo Cesi (Bologna, 1556 – Bologna, 1629)
Madonna and Child in Glory with Saints Benedict, John the Baptist, and Francis, 1595-1598
Oil on canvas, 191 x 299 cm
Bologna, Church of San Giacomo Maggiore
Property of the Ministry of the Interior’s Religious Buildings Fund
