The subject of the painting unfolds on three levels: a glory of angels at the top; Mary at the centre, offering the Child blessing; and, at the bottom left, the donor in the customary position of worship, shown in profile and kneeling with his cap in hand, while he receives the blessing. Traces of a second donor, symmetrical to the first one, emerged at the bottom right during recent restoration work. This detail is confirmed by the scene that appears to the left of the Virgin and Child: through a rocky arch we see an urban landscape in the background and, in front of this, two Christian knights being attacked by a Turk on horseback. The entire painting can thus probably be considered as a sort of votive offering for salvation from an attack: unfortunately, due to the damage caused to the painted surface, the portrait of only one of the two donors has survived.
From April 15, on the occasion of Design Week, the rooms of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana will host 'Moleskine Detour', an international exhibition promoted by Moleskine and the Moleskine Foundation.
From 19 to 23 April, on the occasion of the Salone del Mobile, the Ambrosiana will host the exhibition "Nice To See You" by Gaetano Pesce.
Recovery of the functionality of the balconies of the Sala Federiciana, Borromeo and della Rosa through the installation of lifelines
Every Saturday at 15.30 a guided tour of the masterpieces of the Pinacoteca, together with professional guides of our official partner AdArtem
