The Ravenna Art Museum (MAR) is set to host visitors for European Heritage Days 2025, with a special program scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th. This year's events will focus on the enduring fascination surrounding Guidarello Guidarelli, a significant Renaissance figure whose story is closely tied to a notable sculpture by Tullio Lombardo. The museum's initiative provides an opportunity to engage with a pivotal period in art history and its connection to the broader Venetian artistic context.
Saturday's activities are tailored for younger audiences, featuring an interactive workshop and a guided tour centered on Lombardo's Guidarelli sculpture. These will be followed by a puppet and shadow theater performance designed to bring the knight's narrative to life. Sunday's program will offer a deeper exploration of Guidarelli's historical importance through specialized guided tours. The weekend will conclude with a concert by the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Ravenna, presenting cello and piano pieces.
The sculpture of Guidarello Guidarelli, created by Tullio Lombardo around 1525, is celebrated for its delicate and expressive portrayal of the knight, a striking contrast to the rigidity of his armor. Popular legend suggests that unmarried women who kissed the effigy would marry within the year, contributing to the sculpture's enduring allure. Guidarelli himself was a knight from Ravenna who served Cesare Borgia and was involved in military campaigns in Romagna in the late 15th century. His life and death in 1501 are subjects of some mystery, adding to the fascination with his artistic representation.
The Venetian school of art, to which Lombardo belonged, was characterized by a distinct emphasis on color and light, differentiating it from the more design-focused Florentine school. Artists such as Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Paolo Veronese were central to this movement, creating works that combined rich colors, sensuous textures, and dynamic compositions. The legacy of Venetian art extended beyond the Renaissance, influencing European art for centuries.
European Heritage Days, a program promoted by the Council of Europe and the European Commission since 1991, aims to highlight the significance of cultural heritage and encourage community involvement. The MAR's participation in this annual event underscores its commitment to preserving and interpreting local heritage, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The museum's programming for September 27th and 28th, 2025, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the artistic and historical narratives that shape Ravenna's cultural identity, celebrating the enduring power of art and storytelling.