Forme della devozione a Bologna tra XIV e XV secolo. 1. Simone di Filippo

This catalogue essay deals with the typologies and functions of the panel paintings created in Bologna by Simone di Filippo, also known as ‘Simone dei Crocifissi’ (Bologna, documented from 1354, dead in 1399) and Jacopo di Paolo (Bologna, documented 1371-1429). The examination of their production has revealed very diversified choices, hardly classifiable in binding grids. It has been possible to find out several sources, from Florence to Venice and the Northern Gothic. The section by del Monaco focuses on Simone. The painter’s output had a mainly devotional destination. The word ‘devotional’ refers to images that fulfilled the need for a personal relationship with the divine in individual or collective prayer and meditation. The typical wide and massive forms and the plain and direct expressiveness of Simone’s works dating from the end of 1360s onwards responded to the demand of communicative efficacy in devotional meditation. The painters displayed in the exhibition exemplify this assertion. The Elthinl Pietà is particularly interesting for the marian iconography of ‘the sword of compassion’, combined by Simone with the Vesperbild apparently for the first time.