Amico Aspertini (Bologna, 1474-1552)
Madonna with Child (Madonna breast-feeding the Child), 1510/1515
oil on panel; inv. P 82
acquisition: on extended loan from the Azienda Ospedaliero -
Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico S. Orsola - Malpighi, 1979
As can be seen from the fragments of vegetation at the sides of this
panel, this work is probably part of a larger composition.
Aspertini, who remained connected to the work of Dürer and to northern
culture in general, was the “eccentric” painter par excellence of 16th
century Bolognese art.
His peculiar style, a complete departure from classicism, is the
opposite of the calm and composed manner of Francesco Francia.
The Virgin’s face is certainly the most extravagant detail of the
painting, demonstrating Aspertini’s melancholic touch in painting human
emotions.
