Ambrosiana

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE COPPER PALM-TREE MANUFACTURED AT BEHEST OF FEDERICO BORROMEO

What is the meaning that Cardinal Federico wanted to give to this copper palm tree, located in the heart of the Ambrosiana Library? The palm, by its nature, has a polymorphic, very varied, symbolism. The first reference is to the Holy Scripture; in the Psalms we read that “the righteous will flourish as a palm tree” and therefore the palm, as a religious symbol, refers to loyalty. But we also have other symbolisms, which come both from the pagan and the generically human culture; let’s think, for example, of the palm tree as a symbol of regeneration. The palm tree, when it seems that it is drying out, suddenly flourishes again, it turns green again, as if to indicate the regeneration of nature. The palm tree yields the dates which are a food and therefore it is also a source of sustenance; from its leaves it is also possible to obtain, as a papyrus, some sheets on which to elaborate cultural instruments. They are all particular elements that we find documented in the typical literature of the Ambrosiana Library, where we tried to probe this symbolism that I have precisely defined polymorphic.

WHAT’S ON

NOVEMBER 3: SPECIAL EVENING OPENING

Ambrosiana

NOVEMBER 3: SPECIAL EVENING OPENING

Access to the Pinacoteca and Crypt from 18.00 to 19.30 with a special ticket € 3.00

03/11/2024-03/11/2024
THE TREATISE ON CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS BY CESARE BECCARIA<BR>FROM MILAN, TO EUROPE, TO THE WORLD

Ambrosiana

THE TREATISE ON CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS BY CESARE BECCARIA
FROM MILAN, TO EUROPE, TO THE WORLD

Pinacoteca, rooms 2 and 3, exhibition included in the admission ticket to the museum

19/09/2024-17/12/2024
Exhibition
NEW PINACOTECA AMBROSIANA AUDIOGUIDES

Ambrosiana

Restoration works for the recovery of the historic balconies of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana

Ambrosiana

Restoration works for the recovery of the historic balconies of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana

Recovery of the functionality of the balconies of the Sala Federiciana, Borromeo and della Rosa through the installation of lifelines

01/03/2024
NEWS
GUIDED TOURS IN ENGLISH

Ambrosiana

GUIDED TOURS IN ENGLISH

Guided tour of the masterpieces of the Pinacoteca, together with professional guides of our official partner AdArtem

01/04/2023-21/12/2024