ESPOSIZIONE DEI RITRATTI DEI BENEFATTORI. (2003)

The origins of the ancient life of the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan begin with the definitely special attention and care that the city of Milan researved for the needy’s assistance. It was in fact supported by donations from its origins and legacies of the citizens, not only motivated by civic duty, but also by the desire to be remembered after death. It is through the creation of portraits of the benefactors that the remembrance of them becomes visible, shown clearly in 1669, by resolution of the Hospital Chapter which perform other works other the existing ones, "Yours is the convenience be how much do they make portraits of benefactors who have left his home in this pious et donated their living".
So, over the centuries, it was created a collection of paintings which today represents an immense wealth of historical and social value: through it, in fact, it is possible to reconstruct the history of costume, and the faces of the main characters of Milanese society.
The paintings hung in the chapter houses, could be seen by the community at the biennial Festa del Perdono (celebrated for the first time on the 25 March 1460, the day of the Annunciation). Since the nineteenth century, the paintings were exhibited in the portico of the Ca' Granda maintaining the intent to "affirm the noble sentiment of gratitude for those who were generous in giving to the poor sick people", but also to urge the Milanese to new legacies and donations.
It is during the restoration of the ancient and prestigious tradition of the Esposizione dei ritratti dei benefattori. Festa del Perdono the book comes to life by offering a selection of portraits, made in the last fifteen years, shown for the first time during celebrations March 24, 2003.

Esposizione dei ritratti dei benefattori. Festa del Perdono, 24 marzo 2003, Milano - Cinisello B.,
Ospedale Maggiore - Silvana Editoriale, 2003, 31 p., ill., 24 cm