What's Happening at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Exhibition
Dürer at the Ambrosiana Gallery
On view from November 14, 2007 to March 30, 2008
This exhibition features a selection of the drawings and prints by German artist and printmaker Albrecht Dürer in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana's collection.
In the first rooms of the Ambrosiana's paintings galleries, fourteen autograph Dürer drawings are displayed alongside the artist's famous series of woodcuts depicting scenes from the Book of Revelations' description of the Apocalypse.
Online Exhibition Series
Illustrious Figures in the Ambrosiana's Collections
Marianna De Leyva, The Nun of Monza (1575-1650)
This exhibition highlights several letters in the Ambrosiana Library that relate to one of the great scandals of the early seventeenth century. Marianna De Leyva, daughter of an Italian aristocrat, was consigned to a monastic life by her father and took her vows to become a nun in 1591. Several years later, she embarked on an intimate relationship with a young nobleman, Gian Paolo Osio, and bore two children by him. When a witness threatened to expose the affair, Osio murdered several of the servants and nuns who knew of his indiscretions. He was captured and killed. For her involvement in the murders, Sister Virginia was put on trial by Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1607, and she was sentenced to life of seclusion in a windowless convent cell. There she remained for 14 years until the Cardinal pardoned and released her.
On view in this online exhibition are 5 autograph letters by the protagonists in this tragic tale of love and regret, including letters from Odio and De Leyva to Cardinal Borromeo.
Other Events at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana:
Conference
Friday, March 7 - 9:00 am
"How Is an illuminated Manuscript Made?": Scriptoria, Techniques, Models and Materials.
This is the second session of the conference. The first day of the conference will take place March 6th at the Catholic University of Milan.
Book Presentation
Friday, March 14 - 6 pm
"The Gospels in Verse and Rhyme", Third Edition, by Francesco Fiorista.
Welcome speech by Mons. Franco Buzzi; book highlights by Father Gianfranco Barbieri; Easter passages by Silvana Filippelli.
Symposium
Sunday, March 30 - 6:00pm
Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Academy of Sant'Ambrogio.
Book Presentation
Wednesday, April 2 - 3 pm
"All the Colors of Politics. Marketing: The Thread of Ariadne in the Political Labyrinth", by Paolo M. Di Stefano. Published by Viennepierre.
Speeches by: Mons. Franco Buzzi, Alberto Comuzzi, Giuliano Spazzali.
300 Fifth Street, NE ~ Suite 250 ~ Washington, DC 20002
Telephone: (202) 546-3895 ~ Fax: (202) 546-3871 ~ E-mail: