Commissioned in 1639 by the community of San Giovanni in Persiceto for the high altar of the new Capuchin church dedicated to Saint Matthew, the painting entered the collections of the Pinacoteca of Bologna in 1816, following the Napoleonic suppressions (1797–1810). Despite repeated requests from the town’s authorities, the work has never been returned to its original location. The scene depicts the Madonna and Child above, among clouds and four putti—two on each side. In the foreground, from left to right, are Saint John the Baptist, who gestures heavenward while looking at the viewer; Saint Matthew, writing the Gospel with the guidance of an angel behind him; and Saint Francis, gazing upward with arms crossed in adoration. Unfortunately, the current condition of the painting prevents full appreciation of its tonal refinement, though delicate details -like the angel guiding Saint Matthew- remain clearly visible.
