Painted probably towards the end of the 1510s, this panel clearly shows the profound impression that Leonardo’s Last Supper had on Bramantino, as we can see in the monumental composition of the work. The painting is extremely interesting also in terms of its symbolism: the Madonna enthroned has the Child on her knees, in the act of handing a stylised palm to Saint Ambrose, who is identified by the mitre at his feet and by the scourge resting on the throne. The palm is a reward for his victory over Arianism through his pastoral actions and writings. This is symbolised by the corpse of Arius, shown in a daring foreshortening at the foot of the Milanese prelate. On the right is the Archangel Saint Michael, whose emblems – the scales and the sword – rest one on the throne and the other on the predella, and who is shown handing the animula, the symbol of a dead soul, to the Infant Jesus. The frog lying dead on its back at his feet symbolises malignity defeated.
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
