Restored work by Jean Boulanger, a seventeenth-century artist from Modena, thanks to BPER Bank

The Gallery. Collection and Historical Archives of BPER Banca has sponsored the restoration of a painting owned by the Museo Civico di Modena that was recently traced back to Jean Boulanger (Troyes, 1608 - Modena, 1660), among the most notable artists of seventeenth-century Modena.

The painting entitled Two Putti Playing with an Eagle was traced back to the artist by art historian and university professor Daniele Benati. The restoration was conducted in collaboration with the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the city of Bologna and the provinces of Modena, Reggio and Ferrara by restorer Daniela Bursi with the collaboration of Germano Bertolani for the cabinet work.

Believed to be ayouthful work in which training in contact with the workshop of Guido Reni is evident, the panel is now on display in the Sacred Art room of the Museo Civico di Modena to document the activity of one of the most versatile painters of the 17th century in Emilia, during the years when Duke Francesco I d’Este elevated Modena to the seat of court. Boulanger was a celebrated painter in fresco decoration during the years of Francesco I d’Este; few examples remain of his extensive painting on canvas, mostly of a sacred character. Even rarer and more valuable is his production on movable media, which includes, only as of recent times, the painting in the Museo Civico di Modena, donated in 1904 by Count Luigi Alberto Gandini.

The subject, under an apparent playful divertissement, alludes to the Este House and celebrates its glory.

“The collaboration with the Civic Museum of Modena,” said Sabrina Bianchi, head of cultural heritage at BPER Banca, “is part of the dense network of relationships established with other institutions, both public and private, and confirms BPER Banca’s commitment to a widespread and open culture. Our desire is to help bring the public closer to art, creating participatory models, beyond any possible educational or socio-economic barriers, to build a sustainable and inclusive future for all.”

Image: Jean Boulanger, Two Putti Playing with an Eagle (oil on panel, 58 x 39.5 cm; Modena, Museo Civico d’Arte)

Restored work by Jean Boulanger, a seventeenth-century artist from Modena, thanks to BPER Bank

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.