This painting was inspired by a visit of Bert at the opening of the exposition 'Little Treasures' in the Galeria de Marchi in Bologna in November and december 2015. During his stay in Bologna he brought a visit to the church Santo Stefano and the porch of this church with its special light inspired him to making this painting when he was back in the Netherlands. In the painting two figures can be distinguished who hide themselves in the shade. The basilica consists of an interweaving of seven religious buildings that are surprisingly interconnected. According to tradition, San Petronio, the Bishop of Bologna, had the idea of creating a basilica after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It was built on top of a temple dedicated to Isis. The buildings that make up the complex are all very old. Because of the numerous restorations in the first decades of the 20th century, the look of the complex has changed from the original “Seven Churches” to four. Despite this, it is still one of the most romantic and interesting monuments in the city. You enter through the Church of the Crucifix. Of Lombard origin, it dates back to the 8th century.
