Francesco Raibolini, known as Francia (Bologna, 1450 c. - 1517) - Oils on wood; cm 201 x 145
The painting, although belonging to the Municipal Art Gallery, has been deposited in the Abbey of Santa Maria del Monte since 1945 returning it to its original position.
It was probably committed to Francia before 1513 by the Abbey's prior Giambattista Bertolucci; we know exactly that this is the work of Francesco Raibolini because we can see his signature on the step of the altar that has written FRANCIA AVRIFEX BON F
.
The work can be subdivided in two planes: the first one which represents the Virgin, Jesus and Simeone the Clergyman and the second which represents Saint Joseph and Saint Ann on the left, while the female figure who holds a book in her hands has not been identified yet.
The outline and the style used by Francia recalls the outlines of Raphaelism very diffused in Romagna in that period.