The Collezioni Comunali was founded as a furnished museum. Some of its
most prized furnishings are displayed in rooms 1, 2 and 4. The two
wedding chests on the left side were acquired by the Council of Bologna
in 1922 as part of the bequest of the Marquis Carlo Alberto Pizzardi.
They were originally in the castle of Ponte Poledrano (now San Marino
di Bentivoglio), former country residence of the Bentivoglio family,
then purchased by Marquis Pizzardi in the early 19th century. In the
late 19th century, while working on the castle, Alfonso Rubbiani
discovered and restored the two trunks.
They date to the 15th century and are attributed to the workshop of the
De Marchi family from Crema who worked in Bologna from 1458
to 1479, and who were also responsible for the engraved woodwork choir
in the basilica of San Petronio.
The particular sarcophagus structure of the trunks was very common at
the time, especially at the court of Ferrara. The several different
techniques used, like carving, giltwood, pastiglia, fretwork and
geometrical marquetry, show the influence of the new Renaissance
techniques on the late Gothic tradition.
On the right side is a two piece walnut Bolognese cupboard from the
early 17th century, it has a moulded cornice above four cupboard doors
with moulded panels and bronze handles shaped like cherubs. The large
prominent cornice contributes to the overall harmony of the structure.
Also on this side, starting from the right, is a 17th century panelled
chest, which came to the Collezioni as part of the Rusconi Bequest; the
inlaid work on the top and panels dates to the early 20th century.
The second piece is an Emilian carved chest with a Gouache frieze over
a rich decoration that dates to the 17th century. The top is missing,
and the base and feet were added later. The checked coat of arms of the
Pepoli family, who once owned this chest, is visible on the front. The
last piece is a panelled chest with inlaid panels enclosed within
geometrical moulded frames, it is an 18th century reproduction. In the
middle of the room stand three Bolognese 17th century walnut tables.
They have a common structure of the period with turned legs connected
by a box stretcher. The first table on entering the room has three
drawers with wooden knobs and large carved stretcher blocks. On the
table stand two 17th century pitchers with trefoil lips, decorated with
coats of arms.
The statue on the central table is a 19th century copy of the
preparatory study by Giambologna for the Neptune fountain (completed in
1566). The original is displayed in the Museo Civico Medievale (the
Civic Museum of the Middle Ages).
Similar to the final sculpture dominating the fountain in Piazza
Nettuno, the sea god holds his trident in his right hand. The two 17th
century walnut armchairs placed on both sides of the entrance are
upholstered with pressed leather and have carved giltwood flame
finials. The chairs come from the Pepoli bequest and are part of a set
of four, the remaining two are on display in room 2.