The work Irnerius Glossing the Laws, dated 1886, was created for the ceiling of the council chamber of Palazzo d’Accursio in Bologna. The painting was executed in tempera and later removed from the ceiling; it is now displayed as a large panel. The project began as a horizontal scene, but Serra transitioned to a vertical composition, symbolically including the return of the victorious Bolognese army from Fossalta. Serra’s creative process is well documented, with preparatory drawings that highlight his attention to decorative details and perspective. A final preparatory drawing, preserved in Rome, shows every element carefully outlined, exemplifying the artist’s skill in harmonizing all the details into a single scene. The drawing was exhibited at various shows, including the Venice exhibition of 1903.
The work is located in the Civic Museums of Ancient Art, Piazza Maggiore 6.
