Ambrosiana

Eliseo Sala (1813-1879)
Portrait of Cesare Beccaria, detail
oil painting on canvas

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

Exactly two hundred and sixty years ago, in 1764, the well-known Milanese jurist Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794) finished writing his masterpiece, the treatise On Crimes and Punishments, and published it in the same year. In the exhibition The treatise On Crimes and Punishments by Cesare Beccaria, from Milan to Europe to the World the original manuscript of the work, the Italian editio princeps, will be exhibited, and all the other first editions that followed in the various European languages, including two recent non-European publications, testifying to a diffusion that spread from Milan throughout Europe and the entire world.

THE BECCARIA LIBRARY AND THE AMBROSIANA

Upon Beccaria’s death, his library, including his manuscripts, printed works and various personal memorabilia, passed to his son Giulio Beccaria, who in turn bequeathed it to his wife Antonietta Curioni de’Civati. Donna Antonietta, significantly, in her will of 29 March 1866, hoped that her daughters would undertake to place this precious cultural heritage «in some public institute in perpetual memory of the illustrious philosopher, such as for example in the Ambrosiana Library, already rich in monuments and other national illustrations”. This wish did not come true immediately, because Cesare Beccaria’s library passed to one of his son-in-laws, the Milanese commendatore Angelo Villa Pernice, a well-known bibliophile, as well as an economist, public administrator and politician.

When, in 1910, after the death of her husband, his wife Donna Rachele Villa Pernice donated the entire family book heritage to the Ambrosiana Library, the collection of manuscripts and printed matter belonging to Cesare Beccaria also arrived there: thus, what with foresight the Marchesa Antonietta Curioni de’ Civati had hoped for was fulfilled. This generous donation, of high cultural patronage, was facilitated by the Nogara brothers (in particular Giuseppe, Bernardino and Bartolomeo), relatives of Rachele Villa Pernice, who acted as mediators with Monsignor Achille Ratti, then Prefect of the Ambrosiana Library.

WHAT’S ON

EUROPEAN MUSEUM NIGHT 2025 - SPECIAL EVENING OPENING

Pinacoteca

EUROPEAN MUSEUM NIGHT 2025 - SPECIAL EVENING OPENING

From 18.00 to 19.30 entrance to the Pinacoteca and Crypt at the special price of €3.00

17/05/2025-17/05/2025
ART IN RESPECT - A DIALOGUE

Ambrosiana

ART IN RESPECT - A DIALOGUE

From May 15 to 27, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan hosts Art in Respect – A dialogue, a solo exhibition by artist and couturier Filippo Sorcinelli.

15/05/2025-27/05/2025
Exhibition
MOTHER'S DAY

Ambrosiana

MOTHER'S DAY

To celebrate Mother's Day, on Sunday 11 May the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is offering free admission to all mothers accompanied by their children.

11/05/2025-11/05/2025
MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT

Pinacoteca

MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT

11/05/2025-11/05/2025
Natura morta<br>Jago and Caravaggio: two views on the transience of life

Pinacoteca

JUBILEE 2025 – XVII CENTENARY OF THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA

Pinacoteca

ONLINE COLLECTION

(158 online artworks)

Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 21 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Adoration of the Magi, Andrea Schiavone (1510-1563)
Latin astrolabe, Anonymous
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 812 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Judith and Holofernes, Giuseppe Vermiglio (1585-1635)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 139 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Burse, Artista dell’Italia centrale
A Soul in Purgatory, Anonimo lombardo (XVII secolo)
De divina proportione, Luca Pacioli (1445 circa – 1517)
Portrait of a Musician, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1069 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Laocoon (copy of the Vatican original), Leone Leoni
The Madonna and Child with a Worshipper, Bernardino Betti detto il Pinturicchio (1454-1513)
Man in Armour, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
Crib, Federico Barocci o Baroccio detto il Fiori (1535-1612) (replica di)
The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist, Ubertini Francesco detto Bachiacca (1494-1557)
Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Christ Crowned with Thorns, Bernardino Luini (1480-1532)
Landscape with Saint John the Baptist, Paul Bril (1554-1626)
The School of Athens, Raffaello Sanzio (1483-1520)
The Triumph of David, Lucas Hugenszoon detto Luca di Leida (1494-1533)
Locked out of school, Emilio Longoni (1859-1932)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 149 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Dantesque window, Giuseppe Bertini (1825-1898)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 272 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of a Young Girl with a Dove, Natale Schiavoni (1777-1858)
Portrait of Saint Charles Borromeo, Giovanni Ambrogio Figino (1548-1608)
Portico in Ruins, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
Self Portrait, Antonio Canova (1757-1822)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 719 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Lesenes and trophies, Agostino Busti detto il Bambaia (1483-1548)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 71 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 29 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Vase of Flowers with Jewel, Coins and Shells, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
The Kiss, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 860 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 3 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 117 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Jan II Brueghel il Giovane (1601-1678)
Portrait of Giuseppina Negroni Prati Morosini, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 909 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of a Pilgrim, Monogrammista HL (XVI secolo)
Portrait of Alessandro Negroni Prati Morosini, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Still Life with Fruit, Isaac Soreau (1604-1638)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 33 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Ambrosian Virgil of Francesco Petrarca, NA
Portrait of Giovanni Battista Morosini, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
Male portrait, Hans Muelich (1516-1573)
The Holy Family with Sain John, Tobias and the Archangel Raphael, Bonifacio Veronese (1487-1553)
The Last Supper, Andrea Bianchi detto il Vespino (attivo 1612-1640)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1006 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 116 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Flowers in a Vase, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
The Adoration of the Magi, Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli also known as Morazzone (1571-1626)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 307 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
View of the Interior of the Duomo, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
Original Sin, Jan II Brueghel il Giovane (1601-1678)
Christ on the Way to Calvary, Giovanni Busi detto Cariani (1480-1547)
Portrait of Manfredo Settala, Daniele Crespi (1600-1630) attribuito a
Portrait of a Lady, Giovanni Ambrogio De Predis (1455-1508)
Allegory of Water, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 72 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Orrery, Sconosciuto
Ceremonial saddle and stirrups. Detail of the wooden horse of Troy, Arte armaiola milanese
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt, Jacopo da Ponte detto il Bassano (1510-1592)
The Adoration of the Magi, Maestro del Santo Sangue (XVI secolo)
Christ Resurrected, Marco Basaiti (1470-1530)
Portrait of a Gentleman (Michel de l’Hospital), Giovan Battista Moroni (1520-1578)
The Dormition of the Virgin, Anonimo ferrarese (XV secolo)
Allegory of Fire, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 845 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Naturalis Historia, Plinio il Vecchio (23-79 dC)
Portrait of a Young Man, Giorgione (Giorgio da Castelfranco copia da) (1478 circa-1510)
Kids and Lambs, Francesco Londonio (1723-1783)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus) f. 199 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Mercury and Argus, Anonimo genovese (XVII secolo)
Winter Landscape with Skaters, Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634)
Portrait of Bernardino da Lesmo, Bartolomeo Veneto (1502-1530)
Octagonal casket, Bottega degli Embriachi (XIV-XV secolo)
Pietà (copy from Michelangelo), Leone Leoni
Mouse with Roses, Jan Brueghel il Vecchio “Dei Velluti” (1568-1625)
The Blessed Soul, Anonimo lombardo (XVII secolo)
Clock with astrolabe, Sconosciuto
Washerwomen at the Canal, Emilio Gola (1851-1923)
Portrait of Paolo Morigia, Fede Galizia (1578-1630)
Cup with Turbo marmoratus shell, Christoph Lencker (1556 circa-1613)
The Magdalen and the Angel, Giulio Cesare Procaccini (1574-1625)
Diana the Huntress, Joachim Friess (XVI-XVII secolo)
Napoleon Bonaparte’s gloves, NA
Portrait of a Young Man, Vittore Ghislandi detto Frà Galgario (1655-1743)
The Holy Family, Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (1609-1661)
Head of Christ the Redeemer, Gian Giacomo Caprotti detto Salai (1480-1524)
The Holy Family with Saints Anne and John, Bernardino Luini (1480-1532)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 12 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 858 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Susanna at her Bath, Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (1609-1661)
The Arco della Pace in Milan, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
Basket of fruit, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610)
Plato, Giovanni Antonio Piatti (1447-1480)
The Virgin of the Rocks, Andrea Bianchi detto il Vespino (attivo 1612-1640)
Saint John the Baptist, Gian Giacomo Caprotti
Still Life with Fruit, Isaac Soreau (1604-1638)
Daggers with sheath (eared sfondagiaco dagger), Milanese Gunsmiths
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus) f. 710 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Annunciation, Gerolamo Mazzola Bedoli (1500-1569)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 4 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Madonna and Child with Saint John the Evangelist and Saint John the Baptist, Marco d’Oggiono (1470-1525)
Display case with the hair of Lucrezia Borgia, Alfredo Ravasco
Portrait of Napoleon King of Italy, Andrea Appiani (1754-1817)
Still Life with Musical Instruments, Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)
Libro d’Ore Borromeo, Cristoforo de Predis (1440-1486)
The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, Antonio Badile (1518-1560)
The infant Jesus with a Lamb, Bernardino Luini (1480-1532)
The Madonna of the Pavilion, Sandro Botticelli (Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi detto) (1444 o 1445-1510)
Apse of San Satiro and View of the Duomo, Giovanni Migliara (1785-1837)
Saint Michael the Archangel, Giulio Cesare Procaccini (1574-1625)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 145 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Armillary sphere, NA
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 49 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 873 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Placing of Christ in the Sepulchre, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Ambito di Francesco Albani (1578-1660)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus) f. 851 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portrait of Emilia Morosini Zeltner, Francesco Hayez (1791-1882)
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Giandomenico Tiepolo (1727-1804)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 26 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Sacra Conversazione, Ambrogio da Fossano detto il Bergognone (1453-1523)
Nautilus shell, Sconosciuto
The Adoration, Bartolomeo Suardi detto il Bramantino (1465-1530)
The Madonna Enthroned with Saint Ambrose and Saint Michael, Bartolomeo Suardi detto il Bramantino (1465-1530)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 5 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 844 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Flowers and Roses, Gaetano Previati (1852-1920)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 1058 verso, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Seascape, Paul Bril (1554-1626)
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 455 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Allegorical Female Figure, Giovanni Serodine (1600-1631)
The Adoration with Saint Roch, Gian Pietro Rizzoli detto Giampietrino (1508-1549)
Noctes Atticae, Aulo Gellio
llias picta, NA
The Assumption of the Virgin, Giovanni Agostino da Lodi (1467-1524 circa)
Self Portrait, Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844)
Figured casket, Scultore lombardo
The Damned Soul, Anonimo lombardo (XVII secolo)
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Pietro Antonio Magatti (1691-1767)
Adoration of the Magi, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
Portrait of Peter Leopold of Habsburg-Lorraine (later Leopold II), Anton Raphael Mengs (1728-1779)
Mary Magdalene, Tiziano Vecellio (1480-1576)
Horse’s head (Copy from the equestrian monument to Marcus Aurelius on the Capitol in Rome), NA
Atlantic Codex (Codex Atlanticus), f. 663 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Maternity, Mosè Bianchi (1840-1904)
Mary Magdalene Penitent, Guido Reni (1575-1642)
The Madonna Nursing the Child by the Fountain, Bernaert van Orley (1488-1541)
Moses and the Brazen Serpent, Cesare Ligari (1716-1770)
The Martyrdom of Saint Peter of Verona, Alessandro Bonvicino detto Moretto (1490-1554)
Jael and Sisera, Giuseppe Vermiglio (1585-1635)
Codice Atlantico (Codex Atlanticus), f. 104 recto, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
The Madonna and Child with Saint Peter and Saint Jerome, Cesare Magni (1511-1534)