NEW YORK, NY.- Robert Simon Fine Art opens the fall art season with a “one-woman” show devoted to the 17th-century painter Elisabetta Sirani. Titled “Elisabetta Sirani: Maestra of Baroque Bologna,” the exhibition includes five rare oil paintings by the artist, three masterful drawings, and her most important etching—drawing from the gallery’s inventory, as well as loans from private and public collections. The exhibition is the first devoted to the artist outside of Italy.

Famously described by her contemporaries as “the glory of the female sex, the gem of Italy, and the sun of Europe,” Elisabetta Sirani (1638–1665) was one of the most innovative, prolific, and successful artists of the Bolognese school during the 17th century. Her career spanned barely ten years, having been cut short by her tragic death at age 27, and was distinguished not only by her remarkable oeuvre, but by her establishment of the first art academy for women outside of a convent. Works included in the exhibition include portraits, as well as religious and mythological subjects—mirroring the diversity of Elisabetta’s remarkable production.

Robert Simon has long been fascinated with the artist. “I sold my first work by Elisabetta over twenty years ago and since then have been fortunate enough to have handled three other superb canvases by her. Each seems to reveal a different aspect of her remarkable creativity.” He added, “The opportunity to bring nine works together for a public exhibition was an opportunity not to be missed, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with the public.”

Located steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 22 East 80th Street, 4th Floor, Robert Simon Fine Art specializes in European Old Master paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Works from the gallery are to be found in major American museums, as well as private collections worldwide.

The exhibition is accompanied by a 55-page catalogue authored by Gallery Director Dominic Ferrante, with Robert Simon.

Robert Simon Fine Art
“Elisabetta Sirani: Maestra of Baroque Bologna"
September 5th, 2023 - September 29th, 2023