“Vallata di Reno”, oil on canvas by Luigi Bertelli, 1896.

Luigi Bertelli (1833-1916), ”Vallata di Reno”, 1896.

The painting “Vallata di Reno” by Luigi Bertelli, dated 1896, depicts a view of the Reno Valley, with a broad landscape opening that unfolds into the distance. The artist organises the space through a skilful balance between the foreground, the hilly area, and the river in the background. As a result, the landscape appears clear and structured, without resorting to dramatic effects. Furthermore, the rural buildings, inserted with restraint, help define the relationship between humanity and the land.

Luigi Bertelli, active between the late nineteenth century and the early decades of the twentieth century, belongs to the tradition of Emilian naturalistic landscape painting, demonstrating a close attention to direct observation from life. At the same time, his style reveals a balanced sensitivity to light, evident in the treatment of the hills and fields. Therefore, the palette remains consistent with the tones of nature, favouring gradual chromatic transitions.

In conclusion, “Vallata di Reno” represents a significant document of nineteenth-century landscape painting in the Bologna area. The work testifies the interest of Luigi Bertelli in the territory and in a careful representation based on solid composition and rigorous observation of the landscape.

Desccription: Oil on canvas, signed lower left, bearing on the reverse a label from the Luigi Bertelli exhibition organised by the Modern Art Gallery of Bologna and the Associazione per le Arti “Francesco Francia”, Bologna, with artist, title, technique, dimensions, and provenance, H cm 110×170.
Exhibitions: Monographic exhibition dedicated to the painter, organised by the Modern Art Gallery of Bologna and the Associazione per le Arti “Francesco Francia”, Bologna, 1985; Exhibition of Nineteenth-Century Italian Painting within the XVI Venice Biennale, 1928.
Publications: Work published in U. Ojetti, 1929, pl. 15; R. Buscaroli, 1933; N. Bertocchi, 1934, p. 63; A. M. Comanducci, 1935, p. 51; P. Stivani, 1982, p. 88; Bolaffi, 1983, p. 105; V. Montanari, A. Bettini, “The Oil Paintings of Luigi Bertelli – Volume One”, Bologna, Grafis Edizioni, 1984, pp. 250–253; A. Borgotelli et al., “Luigi Bertelli. 1832–1916”, Bologna, Umberto Allemandi & C., 1985, p. 168, pl. XXVIII.

Provenance: Arciso Artesiani Collection, Bologna; Private Collection, Bologna.