From 23 September 2025 to 11 January 2026, Palazzo Reale in Milan will host Appiani. Il Neoclassicismo a Milano, a landmark exhibition dedicated to Andrea Appiani (1754–1817), one of the most celebrated artists of the Italian Neoclassical movement and an emblematic painter of the Napoleonic era.
A rediscovery of a neoclassical master
Andrea Appiani, official painter of Napoleon and “First Painter” of the Kingdom of Italy, was admired by his contemporaries for his refined style and ability to capture both historical grandeur and human sensitivity. This exhibition retraces his artistic career through more than 100 works, many of them brought together for the first time from Italian and international collections.
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the cultural dynamism of late 18th- and early 19th-century Milan, a city that became a thriving artistic capital during the Enlightenment and the Napoleonic period. Appiani’s portraits, allegories, and historical scenes not only reflect the ideals of Neoclassicism but also bear witness to the political and cultural transformations of his time.
International collaborations
The exhibition is promoted by Comune di Milano – Cultura and produced by Palazzo Reale, Civita Mostre e Musei, Electa, and MondoMostre. It is the result of an exceptional collaboration with prestigious institutions, including the Châteaux de Malmaison et de Bois-Préau, the Grand Palais and the Louvre in Paris, the Pinacoteca di Brera, and Villa Carlotta.
A scholarly catalogue published by Electa accompanies the event, with essays and analyses that deepen the critical reevaluation of Appiani and his pivotal role in Neoclassicism.
Palazzo reale and the napoleonic heritage
Palazzo Reale itself is a key member of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities. As the seat of government of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, it was closely tied to Appiani’s work and legacy. His artistic career and the palace’s history are intertwined, making this exhibition a unique opportunity to experience Napoleonic heritage in one of its most authentic settings.
Practical information
Dates 23 September 2025 – 11 January 2026
Location: Palazzo Reale, Milan, Italy
More information : https://www.palazzorealemilano.it/index.php/en/mostre/il-neoclassicismo-milano
