Open until the 3rd of November in Casole d'Elsa, the exhibition dedicated to one of the main painters of Siena painting in the late 16th century, Alessandro Casolani called «Il piacere di colorire». Many works of great value were created by him, and through the exhibition underway, they are not only exhibited but also contextualized.
Next to his works there will also be the works of relatives, workmates and followers, owing to which you will be able to notice how the Casolani style became in a short time a true family «style» recognised and recognisable. Of shy and reserved nature, Casolani was born in Mensano in the rural area of Casole d'Elsa between 1552 and 1553; he was probably not very aware of his own worth, yet this did not prevent his fame to spread in Italy and abroad.
His artistic formation took place in Siena under the guidance of the Arcangelo Salimbeni, where he developed, with some study companions (Cristofano Roncalli and the sculptor Prospero Roncalli, called the «Bresciano») a passion for fantastic inventions and chromatic liveliness. Casolani studied for some years in Rome as well and succeeded, upon his return to Siena, in uniting the two artistic schoolings and become the modern painter to whom prestigious commissions were made. The famous «Adorazione dei pastori» for the Duomo di Siena dates back to the ‘90s, nearing the 17th century he then also worked for the Certosa di Pavia.
The exhibition, organised by Alessandro Bagnoli collects in chronological order, a great part of his masterpieces, many works from his youth and, for the first time, the «La preghiera di Cristo nell'orto degli ulivi» from the art gallery of the Cappuccini di Voltaggio (Alessandria) can be seen.
The exhibit finds its central core in the «collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta» and the «Museo archeologico e della Collegiata» in Casole d'Elsa, but it also winds takes place in other locations where Casolani or his followers’ works are kept: Chiesa di San Niccolò, Casole; Pieve dei santi Andrea e Lorenzo in Monteguidi, Pieve di san Giovanni Battista in Mensano. And in Radicondoli at the “collegiata dei santi Simone e Giuda”. An opportunity to see a breathtaking itinerary along the Siena province hills chasing a painter and his pleasure to lend colour.
For information and bookings of guided tours call the tourist office of Casole d'Elsa at the number +39 0577 948 705.
May.2002
Tourism in Tuscany
