6 Must-see Paintings At The Pinacoteca Di Brera

6 Must-see Paintings At The Pinacoteca Di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan is one of the largest art galleries in Italy. It has some great collection of paintings ranging from the Renaissance era to the 20th century. This list include six notable paintings at the Pinacoteca Di Brera.

1/6 Riot in the Gallery (1910)

Riot in the Gallery (1910)

Riot in the Gallery is a 1910 painting by Italian artist Umberto Boccioni, It is a large, vibrant oil on canvas painting depicting a chaotic scene in the art gallery of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. The painting shows the reaction of the audience to a provocative painting, with people of all classes and genders represented. The painting is dominated by the viewer in the center, a man in a dark suit with an outstretched arm. He stands in the middle of the chaos and appears to be addressing the others in the room. His body language conveys a sense of hostility and menace, while his open-mouthed expression conveys shock and outrage. The other figures in the painting are all looking towards the man in the center, with expressions ranging from outrage to amusement. The painting is full of bright colors and dynamic brushstrokes. The figures are portrayed in a distorted, almost abstract way, conveying their energy and movement. The style of the painting is heavily influenced by Futurism, a movement that Boccioni was heavily involved in. The painting also features a few recognizable landmarks, including the dome of the cathedral of Milan and the Tower of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. Riot in the Gallery is a vivid portrayal of the tensions between modern and traditional art, as well as the class and gender divisions in early 20th century Italy. 

2/6 The Kiss (Hayez)

The Kiss (Hayez)

The Kiss, by Francesco Hayez, is a captivating painting measuring around 1.9 meters wide and 2.6 meters tall. The painting is of a romantic embrace between a young couple, a soldier and a woman. The man is dressed in a red military uniform and is passionately kissing the woman, who is wearing a deep blue dress with a white veil. She is leaning back and resting her head against his hand. The couple stands in the center of a dark and mysterious landscape, with a large rock formation in the background. The couple's embrace is a symbol of their deep and passionate love for each other. The man's strong arms hold her close, while the woman looks off to the side in a dreamlike state, as if she is imagining a future together with her beloved. The painting's muted colors and use of light and shadow create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The Kiss is an iconic painting that has endured for almost 200 years. It is a timeless representation of love, passion and intimacy, and its beauty has captured the imagination of art lovers and critics for generations. 

3/6 Le Nord-Sud (1912)

Le Nord-Sud is an oil painting by Italian Futurist painter Umberto Boccioni. It has been praised for its abstract and daring composition, as well as its bold and vivid colors. The painting is composed of five distinct sections, each with its own unique color palette and motifs. The central section is dominated by a large red figure, with its arms and legs extending outward in a symbolic gesture of movement and dynamism. Behind the figure are vertical lines that suggest the architecture of a cityscape, while the other sections feature a variety of shapes, including circles and abstracted forms. The bright colors and energetic brushstrokes of the painting give it an intense and expressive atmosphere. The title of the painting, Le Nord-Sud, is a reference to the two distinct regions of Italy: the north and the south. This is reflected in the painting's composition, which features a variety of shapes and colors that evoke the two regions: the warm and vibrant colors of the south, and the colder, more muted tones of the north. Through this composition, Boccioni is able to capture the contrast between the two regions, while also emphasizing the dynamism and energy of the Futurist movement. Le Nord-Sud is a bold and powerful work of art. Its vivid colors and energetic brushstrokes communicate the excitement and dynamism of the Futurist movement, while the contrast between the two regions of Italy speaks to the complexity and diversity of the Italian experience. 

4/6 The Metaphysical Muse (1917)

The Metaphysical Muse is a work by Italian metaphysical painter Giorgio de Chirico. This painting is a classic example of de Chirico's style, which combines elements of Surrealism, Symbolism, and metaphysical painting. The painting is a portrait of a female figure, symbolizing the artist's muse. She is depicted standing in a dream-like setting, wearing a dress that has been painted in a vibrant red. Her body is seen to be slightly elongated, creating an odd and surreal effect. Her face is closed off, with her eyes being hidden behind a mask, and a mysterious smile on her lips. Behind her, a deep blue backdrop of a starry night sky is visible. In the foreground, two small figures are seen in a seated position, looking up at the muse. The painting is a mysterious and fascinating piece that captures the imagination of the viewer. 

5/6 Brera Madonna

Brera Madonna

The Brera Madonna, also known as the Virgin in Glory with Saints, was painted by Italian Renaissance artist Raphael in 1513 and is considered one of his most important works. The painting is a large altarpiece which measures 220 x 220 cm and is painted in oil on wood. The painting is composed of three distinct scenes. The central scene depicts the Virgin Mary, surrounded by a golden halo, seated with the infant Jesus on her lap. She is surrounded by a chorus of angels, who are singing praises to her in a heavenly choir. To her right are St. Peter and St. Paul who are both venerated figures in Christianity. To her left are St. John the Baptist, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Sebastian, and St. Jerome. The painting is full of intricate details and vibrant colors that are characteristic of Raphael’s style. The Madonna is portrayed with an idealized beauty and grace, while the saints are depicted in a more realistic manner. The details in the painting are further highlighted by the use of light and shadow, which adds an air of solemnity and grandeur. The painting is an iconic work of Renaissance art and is widely admired for its beauty and symbolism. 

6/6 The Marriage of the Virgin

The Marriage of the Virgin

The Marriage of the Virgin painting was created by the Italian Renaissance master Raphael. The painting depicts the traditional Christian story of the marriage of the Virgin Mary to Joseph. The composition is based on the traditional Golden Ratio, with the figures of Mary and Joseph in the foreground and the wedding guests in the background. The painting is framed by the arches of a large loggia, with a picturesque view of a landscape and a distant town in the background. Mary and Joseph are in the center of the painting, and they are both wearing traditional garments appropriate for a wedding. Mary is wearing a light blue dress with a white veil, and Joseph is wearing a red robe with a blue cloak and a white turban. Their facial expressions are gentle and serene, showing the joy and peace of their union. The figures around them are all dressed in bright, colorful clothing, and they are arranged in a hierarchical way. In the foreground, there are two angels, a priest, and the parents of Mary and Joseph. Behind them is a crowd of wedding guests, including Mary's family, Joseph's family, and friends of the couple. The painting has a vibrant, lively atmosphere, with the figures in the foreground and the distant town in the background. The colors are vivid and the details are intricate, making this painting a true work of art. It is one of the most beloved works of Renaissance art.

More Like This