Galleria nazionale della Puglia

Situated in the charming town of Bitonto, the Galleria nazionale della Puglia Girolamo e Rosaria Devanna is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, housed within the historic Palazzo Sylos-Calò. This Renaissance building, dating back to the early 16th century, serves as the perfect backdrop for a collection that spans several centuries and showcases the rich artistic heritage of Italy and beyond.

The Genesis of the Gallery

The foundation of the Galleria nazionale della Puglia is a story of passion and dedication. The collection is primarily the result of a generous donation by the Devanna siblings, Girolamo and Rosaria, who spent over forty years amassing an impressive array of artwork. Their private collection, consisting of 229 paintings and 108 drawings, forms the core of the gallery's holdings. The gallery officially opened its doors on April 18, 2009, and has since become a cultural beacon in the region, managed by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities through the Puglia Museum Hub.

A Journey Through Art History

The gallery's collection is divided into six sections, each offering a unique glimpse into different periods and styles of art. The Italian section is particularly rich, featuring notable examples of Neapolitan and Apulian painting from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as works from other regions such as Liguria, Emilia, Veneto, and Marche.

One of the highlights of the collection is a rare fragment depicting the Head of a Saint, attributed to the 14th-century artist Giovanni da Rimini by the renowned art critic Federico Zeri. This piece serves as a prelude to the gallery's impressive array of Renaissance art, which includes a charming Nativity by Pietro Negroni and superb canvases by major Venetian artists of the 16th century, such as the Portrait of a Gentleman by Titian and the Magdalene by Paolo Veronese.

The Renaissance and Beyond

The 16th-century section also features a group of icons by Cretan painters, reflecting the cultural exchanges that followed the fall of Constantinople in 1453. These works are complemented by pieces from central and northern Italy, such as a Saint Charles Borromeo by Giovanni Ambrogio Figino, a Saint John the Baptist by the Flemish artist Jan Soens, and an Ecce Homo by Leonardo Corona.

The 17th century is one of the most extensive sections in the gallery, boasting works by luminaries such as Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, Salvator Rosa, Luca Giordano, and Francesco Solimena. Among these, Giovanni Lanfranco's poignant Farewell of Christ to His Mother stands out as a symbol of the museum, alongside Bernardino Mei's sensuous Christ Mocked. This section also includes preparatory studies and sketches, offering insights into the creative processes of these master artists.

European Masters and Iconic Works

The gallery's collection is not limited to Italian art. It also features significant works by Spanish and French artists, such as a Portrait of a Man with a Mustache and Goatee by Diego Velázquez and a Portrait of a Dominican by El Greco. Two notable works by the French painter Nicolas Poussin are also part of the collection: a delightful Nymph and Satyr Drinking, attributed to his workshop, and a sketch for the grand masterpiece The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus, which the artist left in the Vatican.

The 18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th century is represented by the great Neapolitan school, with works by artists such as De Matteis, De Mura, Filippo Falciatore, Giaquinto, Giacinto Diano, and Sebastiano Conca. Other notable artists from this period include D'Anna, Mariano Rossi, Batoni, and Milani, whose study for The Death of Uzzah is a highlight. This section also features works by prominent European artists of the time, such as Luis Meléndez, Lorenzo Tiepolo, Füssli, and Hamilton.

The gallery's 19th-century collection includes masterpieces by Eugène Delacroix, Antoine-Jean Gros, Franz Xaver Winterhalter, and Franz von Lenbach, alongside Italian artists such as Francesco Speranza, Giuseppe De Nittis, Gioacchino Toma, Francesco Netti, and Domenico Morelli.

A Cultural Gem in Bitonto

The Galleria nazionale della Puglia Girolamo e Rosaria Devanna is more than just a museum; it is a testament to the enduring power of art and the dedication of collectors who have preserved these treasures for future generations. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor, a trip to this gallery promises to be a journey through the rich tapestry of European art history, set against the backdrop of the enchanting town of Bitonto.