Bologna Palazzo Bianconcini
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Palazzo Bianconcini Photos
About Palazzo Bianconcini
Today, this building is the seat for the Statistics of Science department.
Previously known as Palazzo Zaniboni it’s now referred to as Palazzo Bianconcini. Underneath the main balcony is an ornate entrance with decoration around the door attributed to Francesco Tadolini in 1770.
Walking through the door you will find the first smaller courtyard supported by several columns. Further in however is the second courtyard which contains ancient arches with fine detail. Supporting them are four columns with beautiful marble capitals dating from the early 16th century. It’s believed the artists originated from the Ferrara school of sculpting.
Moving back into the corridor again is this sculpture to the right of the doors just before the stair way. Note the Madonna, Child and Saints in terracotta by Giuseppe Mazza around the early 18th century.
On the way upstairs is an incredible series of paintings by Pietro Scandellari, Petronio Fancelli and Gaetano Gandolfi probably dating to mid 1700s. Both Scandellari and Gandolfi collaborated on the painting illustrating the Goddess of Riches, the view of a little Chapel late 1700s whereas, Gandolfi alone was responsible for the work of Arianna and Bacchus. Another artist who contributed significantly here includes Stefano Orlandi.
On the floor leading towards offices and classrooms is another set of fabulous art work. The ceiling here was painted by Giovanni Giuseppe Dal Sole and Enrico Haffner around the late 17th to early 18th centuries.
The history of this palazzo is somewhat illusive since the Zaniboni family were not originally Bolognese, perhaps coming from nearby Modena.
What also appears to be unsure is where the more recent family name of Bianconcini came from because there are no clear references to their roots here. In fact, the name may have changed over time as references to Bianchini and Bianconi are to be found in local historical accounts.