The art and architecture of Milan and its environs reflects both its monastic legacies from the Cistercian, Umiliati and Benedictine orders and the Renaissance Court of the Sforza and the Visconti. The majestic Gothic cathedral was founded in the late Trecento by Galeazzo Visconti on the site of the 5th. century church of St. Ambrose. One of the largest cathedrals in Europe Mark Twain described it thus What a wonder it is!. So grand, so solemn, so vast! and yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful. A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems...a delusion of frostwork that might vanish with a breath!.... We will explore the complexities of the building, and its interior pictorial cycles.
Based in Milan, the tour will also include visits to the Renaissance church of St. Maurizio with its 16th. fresco cycle by Bernardino Luini, the Basilica of St. Eustorgio with the Portinari Chapel decorated by Vincenzo Foppa, the Diocesan Museum, S. Maria delle Grazie and S.Maria presso San Satiro and their association with Donato Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci.
The treasures of the Brera including work by Mantegna, Bellini, Titian, Piero della Francesco and Rafraello will be discussed.
The Ambrosiana Library and gallery contains drawings and prints given by Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1618 "ad honorem Dei et cultura, publicamque utilitatem".
