The casts of the panels by Jacopo della Quercia

Crossing the threshold of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, the entrance corridor presents a look that represents the history and artistic tradition of this institution. In fact, the space preserves an important and majestic corpus of sculptural works set up around 1860, in order to give a fascinating and emblematic perspective view. In the initial part of the corridor, in particular, the numerous bas-reliefs set in the walls grouped in geometric shapes are striking. These are plaster casts of the fifteenth-century panels of the three portals of the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna which were executed between 1810 and 1820. The originals date back to the '300 and' 400 d.C. including the group of the Porta Magna made by Jacopo della Quercia, the well-known Sienese sculptor.

In the two side walls of the corridor, the different sections of the entire doors are clearly visible although placed in random order. Among all the tiles, those made by Jacopo Della Quercia for the Porta Magna, are recognizable by the subjects represented.

The panels represent some significant episodes of the Genesis Stories, including the Creation of Adam, the Creation of Eve, the original Sin, the Expulsion from the earthly Paradise, the Work of the progenitors, the Sacrifice of Cain and Abel, the Killing of Abel, the Exit from the Ark of Noah, the Awe of Noah and the Sacrifice of Isaac.

The Scenes from the New Testament are located in the historiated architrave. In order Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Presentation at the Temple, Massacre of the Innocents and Fugue in Egypt

The remaining panels, made by other artists for the three portals, represent further Scenes of the Old and New Testament and single characters, including Angels bearing the symbols of passion and the eighteen Prophets.