Between 1608 and 1621, Brueghel was commissioned by Federico Borromeo to make four paintings on copper. The history of these Allegories of the Four Elements can be fully retraced in an abundant set of documents now in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana. Earth, water, air and fire are the four elements that, from the time of Empedocles’ writings, were long considered to be at the base of all created matter. In Borromeo’s philosophical-theological view, these paintings went well beyond their secular significance and acquired a profound religious value, since Nature was the book written by God, so that man could rise up from Creation to its Creator. Unfortunately, only two of the four works – the Allegory of Fire and the Allegory of Water – are now in the Ambrosiana, because much of the Pinacoteca’s assets were taken to France after being plundered under Napoleon. The Allegory of Earth and the Allegory of Air are now in the Louvre, from which they have never been returned, in spite of the 1815 agreements.
The painting is remarkable for the richness of its natural landscape, it was sent by Brueghel to Cardinal Federico in 1614 and was the third in the series.
Annual international conference of the Society of Friends of Port-Royal is held, October 13-14 2023, Sala delle Accademie E.R. Galbiati.
An exhibition that aims at reconstructing the "considerable collection of books” belonging to Don Ferrante, which Alessandro Manzoni describes in the Promessi Sposi (The Bethroted).
The combo ticket Duomo + Ambrosiana is available in a new version which includes also the Ascent on foot to the Duomo terraces and access to the San Sepolcro Crypt.
Every Saturday at 15.30 a guided tour of the masterpieces of the Pinacoteca, together with professional guides of our official partner AdArtem
On Sunday October 1 and Monday October 2, free admission for all grandparents with their grandchildren
