Baroque. Allegories of the Sensible — National Gallery of Apulia

Baroque. Allegories of the Sensible

The National Gallery of Apulia “Girolamo and Rosaria Devanna” in Bitonto presents Baroque. Allegories of the Sensible, an exhibition on display until 31 July 2026 that investigates the 17th century as a period of cultural shifts and heightened sensory expression.

The itinerary pairs works from the permanent collection with two loaned canvases to encourage new interpretations and visual contrasts. Central to the exhibition is Cesare Fracanzano’s Family of Satyrs, recently acquired by the Ministry of Culture and now permanently assigned to the Gallery — a striking example of baroque allegory of the senses.

The show also highlights paintings attributed to artists such as Francesco Solimena, Andrea Belvedere, Mario de' Fiori and Luigi Garzi, offering visitors stylistic comparisons and recurring thematic insights from the Seicento.

What to see

• Family of Satyrs by Cesare Fracanzano — the centerpiece of the exhibition;
• Loaned works that complement the collection and generate new interpretive angles;
• Selected works from the permanent collection, including devotional pieces and still lifes from the 1600s.

Side events

• Educational workshops for children and families;
• Themed guided tours focusing on iconography and style;
• Lectures and talks with scholars;
• Music programs and events dedicated to Baroque repertoire.

Practical information

Venue: National Gallery of Apulia “Girolamo and Rosaria Devanna”, Via Giandonato Rogadeo (formerly dei Mercanti), 52 — Bitonto.

Dates: 31/03/2026 – 31/07/2026.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, including holidays, 8:30–19:15 (last entry 18:30); Sunday 8:30–13:30 (last entry 13:00).

Admission: the exhibition is included in the Gallery admission fee. Full €6.00; reduced €2.00.

The exhibition forms part of regional exhibition initiatives and is realised with contributions from cultural partners, offering a renewed perspective on Baroque heritage and encouraging visitors to engage with historical works from a contemporary viewpoint.