First it was the exhibitions “Beyond Caravaggio" and "Michaelangelo and Sebastian", but what is beautiful about art is that it is universal. One of the latest examples of the universality of art is the exhibition which from October 27st to January XNUMXth is hosted at the National Gallery di London which houses the works of two exponents of the Italian Renaissance: Andrea Mantegna e John Bellini.
For the first time the two artists are confronted in a journey that intertwines their works, their careers, their personal lives - let us remember that the two painters were also brothers-in-law - and the influences they have exchanged on each other , in the words of the director of the museum in the heart of London, the Italian Gabriele Finals, the intentions of the exhibition are understood by which through the works of art on display it was decided to tell "a story of art, of family, of rivalry, of personality".
The exhibition is titled "Mantegna and Bellini”, is curated by Caroline Campbell in collaboration with the Staatliche Museen of Berlin and the British Museum and investigates the period in which the artists were closest to Venice, that is, in the period following the wedding between Andrea Mantegna and Niccolosa, Bellini's sister. Not only the city of Venice, but also Padua, which was the birthplace of Mantegna and the place where the artist began to produce his art, acted as a backdrop for the paintings.
Andrea Mantegna's works speak to those who observe them of a perfect spatial layout, of an outlined and precise design down to the detail and of monumental forms, while Giovanni Bellini is mainly remembered for his innovative studies of color, lights and landscapes, leading to turn the spotlight on a new art form.
“Mantegna's passion for the ancient world and Bellini's love for nature are crucial elements of the Italian Renaissance – underlined the director Gabriele Finaldi during the presentation to the press -. This exhibition bringing together their works is unprecedented and probably unrepeatable”.
Continue on point Caroline Campbell, “A familial connection from which both have drawn strength and luster throughout their careers. Furthermore, exhibits on XNUMXth-century art are particularly rare. We are talking about fragile works, which cannot travel very often. Mantegna and Bellini therefore represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the relationships and work of two artists who played a central role in the history of art”.
The exhibition follows the artistic and professional life of the two artists starting from the two Venetian cities and then reaching the Gonzaga court in Mantua where Mantegna spent a long period and Bellini's great masterpieces. The London exhibition of the artists of Renaissance Italian taste proposes some of the most significant works of Italian art: "Presentations in the temple" powerful comparison because both have painted their own version, "Prayer in the garden", the "Crucifixion" the "Pietà di Mantegna", the "Madonna with Child and the saints”, the “Continence of Scipio” as well as the “Triumphs of Caesar”.
