This exquisite panel by Bernaert van Orley was probably made in about 1516. It shows the Madonna nursing the Child and it has a wealth of symbolic elements. In art history, the wall and the fountain are a reference to the Canticle of Canticles – “My sister, my spouse, is a garden enclosed, a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed up” (Ct 4: 12) – and symbolise the fertile virginity of Mary; the steps behind her indicate that, for the believer, the Virgin is the chosen means that leads to Heaven. Also, between the fountain and the wall, we see blue irises, which recall the Marian title of “Queen of Heaven”, and white lilies, which symbolise the “Mother most pure” and the “Mother most chaste”, as referred to in the Loreto Litanies. In the background on the right, there is a building and the figure of Joseph, and on the left, in lush, peaceful vegetation, we see some men and animals, the symbolism of which is however not clear.
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
