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The Pinacoteca di Brera is a treasure trove of beauty and culture located in the center of Milan, where it is possible to admire timeless masterpieces by artists such as Raffaello Sanzio, Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Mantegna, and Tintoretto.
More than 400 works of art are exhibited, representing the period from the 14th century to the present day.
The Pinacoteca di Brera was officially established in 1809, but the Milanese Academy of Fine Arts had already begun a collection of valuable works in 1776, under the guidance of Maria Theresa of Austria, who wanted a place to educate students and cultured individuals.
When Milan became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, this place assumed a museum function, and all the artworks from the territories conquered by the French army were gathered here.
In the 19th century, following the suppression of several religious orders, entire collections taken from churches and monasteries across Italy were also brought here.
A short distance from this complex stands the Sforza Castle, built in the 15th century, which houses various museums and galleries dedicated to painting and sculpture.
Considered one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Pinacoteca di Brera preserves absolute masterpieces.
Walking inside the Academy of Fine Arts, it is possible to admire works such as Mantegna’s ‘Dead Christ,’ Raffaello’s ‘Marriage of the Virgin,’ Piero Della Francesca’s ‘Sacra Conversazione,’ Caravaggio’s ‘The Supper at Emmaus,’ and Tintoretto’s ‘The Finding of the Body of Saint Mark.’
Most notably, the iconic painting of The Kiss by Hayez.
This painting, commissioned by Count Alfonso Maria Visconti di Saliceto from Francesco Hayez, is an oil on canvas dated 1859.
But what does this famous work depict?
Apparently, the scene shows a romantic moment, set in a medieval castle. Perhaps a farewell kiss between two lovers.
In reality, the canvas hides a hidden meaning.
It is, in fact, a political painting, created during the final phase of the Congress of Vienna, when Italy (represented by the woman dressed in blue, like the Italian flag, not by chance) was divided and separated into many states.
In this painting, therefore, a patriotic heart beats, expressing all the hopes that would stir the Italian Risorgimento.
And the man portrayed? Very likely he represents France (with the burgundy color of his cloak), which was an ally in the struggle for Italian unity.
The intent of The Kiss, therefore, is to represent Italian Risorgimento passion and to nurture hope among patriotic circles for an alliance with France.
That is why they are depicted as two lovers, eternally bound by an act of pure love.
In this, the painting perfectly deceives the eye.
The Kiss by Hayez was offered to the Pinacoteca di Brera in 1866 by Count Alfonso Maria Visconti di Saliceto, where it remains and is admired to this day.
