The National Art Gallery of Bologna has reinstalled a collection of sculpted portraits—including busts, herms, and rarely seen works—after years in storage and a comprehensive restoration and cleaning project. The initiative, launched today, reestablishes the historical dialogue between painting and sculpture that characterized the former Academy of Fine Arts, with key pieces like Fabrizio Arrigucci's terracotta bust of Guercino (c. 1660) now placed in direct conversation with paintings in the galleries.
This move matters because it restores the original curatorial vision of the Pinacoteca, where painting and sculpture were once presented as complementary disciplines. By returning these works to public view, the museum not only enriches the visitor experience but also signals a broader program to highlight stored collections through permanent displays and future research projects, reinforcing the institution's identity and historical roots.