Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo

The Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo presents Brescia's civic art collection in Palazzo Martinengo da Barco. Renaissance painting from Brescia forms its central thread, set within a broader history extending from medieval art to the nineteenth century.

Why it matters

The collection brings Savoldo, Romanino, Moretto and Vincenzo Foppa into dialogue with artists from elsewhere in Italy. Giacomo Ceruti's paintings of poor and working people introduce a different social and artistic world. The gallery also reflects the importance of private collecting and civic bequests in forming public museums.

What to notice

Raphael's Angel and Christ the Redeemer are separate works within the collection. Other highlights include Lorenzo Lotto's Adoration of the Shepherds, Foppa's Orzinuovi banner and Savoldo's portrait of a young man with a flute. Ceruti's figures contrast with the more idealised and ceremonial art around them. Frescoed ceilings and coloured wall coverings give the palace rooms a distinctive setting.

Context and history

Paolo Tosio's bequest established the first civic gallery, opened in 1851. Francesco Leopardo Martinengo da Barco's gift of his palace enabled a second gallery to open in 1889. Their combined legacy underlies the present institution. A major renovation renewed the palace and displays in 2018.