The Pietà Rondanini has its own dedicated space: the Spanish Hospital in the Sforzesco Castle. The room was once the infirmary set up by the Spaniards during the plague of 1576, and the space has maintained its sixteenth century structure characterised by cross vaults and wall decorations. It was a place of suffering and is therefore suited to house a sculpture expressing maternal grief. The public entrance is in Piazza delle Armi and then through a reception hall. This area also acts as a filter to separate visitors from the noise of city life. Once inside the exhibition room, they will be surprised to see the exhibit from behind, thus reversing the customary front view of the sculpture. The room remains empty except for the presence of four volumes: three oak seats and a showcase containing the history of the Pietà. Displayed on the wall opposite the entrance are the death mask and a medallion of Michelangelo, done by Luino Luini and Daniele da Volterra. The oak board floor produces a textural contrast that enhances the whiteness of the marble. To protect the masterpiece from vibrations, an anti-seismic dais was constructed to guarantee absorption of any movement. Lighting of the statue is designed to avoid shadows.
PROJECT TEAM
Angelo Micheli (project director), Alessandra De Leonardis, Silvia Figini, Alessandro Ghiringhelli
Maddalena Molteni (graphic design)
CLIENT
Comune di Milano
AREA
275 m2
CHRONOLOGY
2013-2014 design; 2015 completion
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Vack
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