Roberto de Pinto paints the Palio della Rivincita for Foligno's Giostra della Quintana

The historic Giostra della Quintana in Foligno, a jousting tournament held twice yearly in June and September, has since 2014 commissioned contemporary artists to create the palio (banner) awarded to the winning district. The project is overseen by art historian Marta Silvi and collector/art producer Pier Luigi Metelli, and has featured artists such as Adelaide Cioni, Thomas Braida, Matteo Fato, Dario Agati, and Flavio Favelli. For the June 2024 'Sfida,' Diego Miguel Mirabella collaborated with local artisan Massimo Fiordiponti on a drappo incorporating passamanerie and ceremonial motifs; it was won by the Cassero district, with knight Luca Innocenti riding Altrimenti. For the September 15 'Rivincita,' Roberto de Pinto (born 1996 in Terlizzi, based in Milan) has created a banner depicting Mars, inspired by the 17th-century walnut statue of the god (original in Palazzo Candiotti, a resin copy used in the tournament) that holds the rings for the joust. De Pinto, known for his encaustic technique, rendered Mars as a portrait surrounded by petals in the colors of the rings, transforming the inanimate central element into a psychological character. The work uses acrylic resin, pastels, and oil. The winning district will be revealed on September 15.