Cesena, 1600 - 1689
Although he was a militia captain in the Papal troops and only painted for his own enjoyment, Serra was the major exponent of 17th century painting in Cesena. He was the master of other artists like Cristoforo Savolini, who bore his same christian name and was often confused with.
A stay in Rome during 1623, was fundamental in the creation of his own style. During that stay, he met Guercino and saw the works of Caravaggio and his followers. On his return to Cesena, to a cultural environment that was somewhat behind the times, the painter introduced the new techniques learnt and to which he later added contributions of Baroque culture.
The canvas Santi Filippo apostolo e Francesca Romana
contained in the Gallery comes from the small church of Saints Anna e Joachim in Cesena, for which the artist painted eight other canvasses, that belong to the same artistic cycle.
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