This lecture by Dr. Alessandro Serrani of the University of Bologna investigates the artistic production of the Bolognese Renaissance from an entirely new perspective, that of the trade guilds. Significant studies have already been made of the patronage of the confraternities, religious orders, and aristocracy; however, no one until now has dealt with the equally important, active and independent role played by guilds in the development of the figurative arts during the 15th century. Bologna’s wealthy guilds promoted the careers of the most notable artists of the time, as well as those of lesser known and less mainstream figures, while introducing new genres of art previously unseen in the city. What emerges is a greatly enhanced and somewhat surprising image of art patronage in the Bolognese Renaissance.