An extraordinary restoration at the Ambrosiana

On the occasion of the 400 years since the death of the famous Flemish painter Paul Bril (1554–1626), the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan is showcasing the restoration of two marvellous paintings from 1590: Landscape with Hermits e Landscape with Shepherds and Pilgrims.

From this week onwards, the two works will once again feature in the exhibition at the Room 7, devoted entirely to Flemish painting. Yet another reason to use your Museum Pass and treat yourself to a visit to one of Italy’s most fascinating art institutions!

A historical link with Cardinal Borromeo’s collection

The two paintings represent a key part of the history of the Ambrosiana. They were, in fact, donated in 1618 by the Cardinal Federico Borromeo, founder of the Pinacoteca, who long admired and supported the work of Paul Bril.

• Landscape with hermits: A work rich in naturalistic detail, interweaving steep slopes, ruins, rivers and distant hills, brought to life by figures of monks, shepherds and detailed depictions of wildlife, amongst which two large herons stand out. The tempera-on-linen technique links this painting to the large-scale mural decorations created by the artist in Rome under Pope Sixtus V.
• Landscape with shepherds and pilgrims: Dominated in the foreground by a small stone and wooden bridge, the painting opens out onto a majestic mountain panorama on the right and an estuary teeming with boats on the left. The skilful use of light and shadow guides the viewer’s gaze towards the horizon with extraordinary depth.

The value of heritage restoration and conservation

The conservation work, carried out with a view to minimal intervention, was made possible thanks to the support of Intesa Sanpaolo. Thanks to in-depth diagnostic and photographic analyses (in visible, oblique and UV light), the conservators have succeeded in stabilising the paint film and restoring the original colour balance and the brilliance of the details without altering the original material.

A project that renews the partnership between the protection of the common good, cultural institutions and private patronage, restoring a visual heritage of inestimable value to the city and all its visitors.

Useful information for the visit

• Where: Pinacoteca Ambrosiana – Room 7 (Piazza Pio XI, 2, Milan).
• Entrance: Included free of charge for holders of Museum Subscription.
• Tip: Please check the booking and access arrangements for subscribers on our website before your visit!