The visitor of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana who, after having admired the famous Basket of fruit by Caravaggio and having stopped for a long time fascinated by the Cartoon for the School of Athens by Raphael, heads towards the Flemish Masters room, is surprised and almost forced to stop by a painting full of light and of grace, the Nativity by Federico Fiori, known as Barocci (about 1528 – 1612).
It is the Child – light that shines in the darkness – who illuminates the whole scene. Mary, the tota pulchra, not touched by any shadow of evil, is completely invested by his splendor. Further on, Joseph invites the shepherds to enter, pointing to the Child: it is to Him that they must turn if they want to enjoy that light.
Nobody should be excluded; not even, it seems, the animal world, in particular the ox in the foreground looking at the Child (and Mary) almost aware of the privilege that he has been given. All creation enjoys His splendor and reveals it.
Here is the wish: let us get close to Him in these days, as much as possible, and may our whole life be enlightened by Him.
Monsignor Marco Ballarini, Prefect of the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Every Saturday at 15.30 a guided tour of the masterpieces of the Pinacoteca, together with professional guides of our official partner AdArtem
Opening hours of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and of the San Sepolcro Crypt for the upcoming holidays
From April 6 to May 9 2023 the Crypt of San Sepolcro hosts the exhibition “Oliviero Rainaldi. 2023 AD”, an exhibition that traces the life of Christ in five episodes, birth, infancy, martyrdom, death and resurrection.
The Archbishop of Milan, His Excellency Mons. Mario Delpini, has appointed Msgr. Marco Maria Navoni Prefect of the College of Fellows of the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana with effect from 27 February 2023.
Rooms 2 and 3, the exhibition is the first in a series dedicated to showing us what is not normally displayed, for a wider enhancement of the Institution's heritage.
Crypt of San Sepolcro open until April 2 2023, every Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 to 17.30 | last access 17.00
