Pinturicchio in San Gimignano and the dark matter of which the Italian exhibitions are made of

 

Every man or woman who loves fine arts should know that a large part, if not all, of the exhibitions dedicated to “Old Masters” taking place in Italy are promoted by local politicians or clericals and managed by private companies, generally selected according to their will. It follows that their main aims are very easy to predict, that is increasing the number of tourists, as well as of believers. No cultural approaches, no studies, no news. Having said that, if you are around San Gimignano – a small town the contemporary international art scene is aware of thanks to the extraordinary work Galleria Continua has been doing in these past years – it could be a good idea to visit the exhibition dedicated to Bernardino di Betto Betti, alias Pinturicchio, at the Pinacoteca civica di San Gimignano, until 6 January 2015. In this charming place, even if you are a specialised journalist don’t expect to be welcomed with a free ticket, or to be allowed to take some pictures: first and foremost you are a tourist, so you ought to pay! Nevertheless you may discover an extraordinary painting such as the Madonna con il Bambino e San Giovannino, on loan from the Museo del Duomo of Città di Castello, as far as 160 kilometers far from San Gimignano… 

September 22, 2014