Renaissance in Ferrara. Ercole de’ Roberti and Lorenzo Costa

Gifted with an incredible compositional talent that was extraordinary for its quality and emotional expressiveness, Ercole de’ Roberti (Ferrara c. 1450 – 1496) made his debut in 1469 decorating the extraordinary Hall of the Months at Palazzo Schifanoia. He travelled between Bologna and Ferrara until 1486, when he returned home and became the first painter at the court of Este.

It was Lorenzo Costa (Ferrara 1460 – Mantua 1535), 10 years younger than Ercole de’ Roberti, who took up his legacy and continued his style in his early works. But during his long stay at Bologna, Costa’s style of painting changed, moving towards an increasing softness, a calm and serene classicism. The world was changing. Leonardo and Perugino were establishing the new “manner”, which Costa quickly understood, and he was among the most important interpreters, even after he moved to the court of the Gonzaga in Mantua.

These two protagonists will be accompanied on this journey by other contemporary great masters: Mantegna, Cosmè Tura, Niccolò dell’Arca, Marco Zoppo will mark the starting point, while Antonio da Crevalcore, Guido Mazzoni, Boccaccio Boccaccino, Francesco Francia and Perugino will enrich the conversation along the way.

Over one hundred works, from museums and collections throughout the world, will offer the public a unique opportunity to discover (or rediscover) the art of two great protagonists and, more generally, the dazzling richness of Renaissance Ferrara.

 

Exhibition curated by Vittorio Sgarbi and Michele Danieli

 

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