Franceschini Revealed: A Model Uncovered — Exhibition in Bologna

Franceschini Revealed: A Model Uncovered

From 26 March to 20 September 2026, the Museo Civico d'Arte Industriale e Galleria Davia Bargellini in Bologna presents the exhibition Franceschini Revealed: A Model Uncovered, featuring a small but remarkable work by Marcantonio Franceschini (Bologna, 1648–1729): Santa Cecilia in Glory with Saints Lucia, Margaret of Antioch and Oswald of Northumbria (1711, 64 x 38 cm), loaned from a private collection.

Why see this exhibition

The painting is an exceptionally rare model and offers a direct comparison with other works by Franceschini and his workshop held in the civic collections. Despite its modest size, it displays a high degree of finish and compositional care, making it a valuable document for understanding workshop practices and artist-client relationships in 18th-century Bologna.

Historical and artistic context

Marcantonio Franceschini stands among the principal figures of Bolognese classicism, leading an active workshop sought after both in Italy and abroad. This exhibition reinterprets the model as a working reference, created privately as guidance for his son Giacomo Maria, and sheds light on how preparatory models functioned within studio production and attribution practices.

Related events

• Public presentation: Wednesday 25 March 2026 at 17:30.
• Guided tour: Sunday 12 April 2026 at 17:00, led by Antonella Mampieri (curator and conservator of the exhibition).
• Lecture series: thematic talks and expert panels organized with local partners; free entry until seats are filled.

Practical information

• Venue: Museo Civico d'Arte Industriale e Galleria Davia Bargellini, Strada Maggiore 44, Bologna.
• Dates: 26/03/2026 - 20/09/2026 (public opening 25/03/2026, 17:30).
• Curator: Antonella Mampieri.
• Access: check museum opening hours and ticketing on the museum website; collateral events are free subject to availability.

This exhibition is a focused chance to explore a lesser-known aspect of Bolognese art history: the role of workshop models and the ways artworks circulated between local patrons and international commissions. Booking is recommended for guided tours and lectures.