Milan: Center of Enlightenment Thought
The duomo in Milan.
One of Milan’s most famous architectural structures is the Duomo which stands erected by colossal pillars and framed by large, elegant stained-glass windows. Of the more than three thousand statues which adorn the structure is the famous Perego’s Madonnina.
Milan was the capital of Lombardy at this period. Lombardy was one of those areas in the north that was turned over to the Austrians under Marie Teresa. This led the way to Enlightenment reforms, such as the church being put under state control and reforming of penal laws. Milan was a center of liberal discourse and nationalistic thought. It was here that expatriates from more conservative kingdoms in Italy came to voice their opinions. Peitro Verri was at the forefront of Italian enlightened thought. Following the English, Verri began publication of a literary journal called Il Cafe (1764-1766). In this journal he discussed ideas that were directed to the general public.
Milan originated as a Celtic village, founded in the 6th century BC, but soon was captured by Roman legions in 222 BC. The Romans named Milan Mediolanum. Once the Roman Empire separated in 286 AD, Milan became the Western Capital focusing on a Christian movement swiping its way through Italy. The religious influences had great impacts on architecture such as cathedrals.
For centuries following, Milan was caught in a European feud for land. It was finally in the second half of the 18th century when power transferred from Spanish rule to House of Hapsburg that Milan’s “economy, the functioning of its public administration, arts and culture, education and scientific development” was finally boosted. Milan thus became characterized by “fiscal and ecclesiastic reform, which culminated in exceptionally rich cultural activity around 1770.” Under Napoleon’s control, there was an immense increase in the amount of inhabitants in Milan, in addition to concrete structures, which were all part of his “architectural and urbanization plans”. An example is the Cerchia dei Bastoni, also known as “the ring road,” which enabled travel around Milan’s historical centre
A prominent example of Napoleon’s “architectural and urbanization plans” is demonstrated through the 18th century architect Giusppe Piermarini who was inspired to restore several important buildings in Milan using neoclassical style. In addition, Piermarini built the Villa Reale at Monz and the, Brera Accademy. Piermarini is also responsible for building one of the most famous opera houses in the world, The La Scala, using neoclassical architecture. The opera house was constructed on the ruins of the Santa Maria della Scala in 1776-1778.
La Scala
La Scala was also one of the most important ceramic centers in Italy throughout the 18th century. The three most prominent factories to produce ceramics were Felice Clerici (1745-80), that of Pasquale Rubati (1756-1830), and that of the brothers Confalonieri (1775-82). The Felice Clerici used “very thin paste covered of milk-white enamel and for the rich decorative inventory (flowers, insects, Chinese figures, masks, soldiers).”
Image Sources:
Duomo (Hibbert 119).
La Scala <http://www.promart.it>.