Curated by Francesco Ceretti, Michele Nicolaci, and Filippo Piazza, the exhibition brings to light the figure of the Brescian painter Pietro Bellotti (1625-1700), who was primarily active in Venice during the 17th century. Through recently acquired works by the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, the exhibition explores the concepts of “wonder” and “reality” in his painting. With prestigious loans from international museums, moreover, the exhibition places Bellotti within the vibrant context of Baroque Venetian painting, drawing comparisons with artists such as Ribera, Giordano, Langetti, and Cagnacci. It also offers new perspectives on his career, which extended beyond Venice to Lombardy, Bavaria, Rome, and Florence, uncovering the historical enigmas surrounding his work.

Featured image: Pietro Bellotti, Self-portrait as an Allegory of Wonder (detail), Gallerie dell’Accademia
Courtesy Matteo Panciera for Gallerie dell’Accademia