The Griffoni Polyptych

The Griffoni Polyptych is regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Published for the exceptional reunification – after 300 years – of its constituent parts, this book offers the results of a new analysis carried out for this important occasion.

Commissioned by Floriano Griffoni for the family chapel in the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna, the polyptych was painted by Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de ‘Roberti between 1470 and 1472. The Ferrarese artists created a fundamental work in the search for a modern feeling of space and volumes, proposing a ‘compositional mosaic’ which can be considered an alternative to the contemporary works of Piero della Francesca or Andrea Mantegna.

Dismantled in 1725 by the new owner of the chapel, the polyptych was never again reunited: the paintings that formed it entered the antiques markets and 16 pieces arrived in the nine museums that still preserve them today.

This volume is the most complete monograph on this masterpiece.