Federico Barocci's Madonna di San Simone on Display at Palazzo Marino in Milan for Christmas

For the Christmas season, the City of Milan presents Federico Barocci's 'Madonna di San Simone' (1566-1567) at Palazzo Marino's Sala Alessi from December 4 through the holidays. The free exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, also includes a preparatory drawing for Barocci's 'Madonna del Popolo' on loan from the Gabinetto dei Disegni del Castello Sforzesco. Barocci (Urbino, 1535-1612), considered the heir of Raphael, spent most of his career in Urbino serving the Dukes of Urbino, particularly Francesco Maria II. His works are held in prestigious collections including the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan. The painting depicts the Madonna and Child with Saints Simon and Jude, originally donated to the Church of San Francesco in Urbino by unknown donors. This marks the second Barocci painting in Milan, joining the 'Natività' acquired by Federico Borromeo for the Ambrosiana. The exhibition offers free entry without reservation.