Design for the Grand Staircase at the Palazzo Reale, Milan
late 18th century
Medium
architecture
Classification
architecture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase from the Mary Hearn Greims Fund
Accession Number
1940-21-31
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Giuseppe Piermarini’s “Design for the Grand Staircase at the Palazzo Reale, Milan” captures the refined vision of one of Italy’s leading neoclassical architects. Active in the late eighteenth century, Piermarini brought classical balance, measured proportions, and elegant ornament to major civic projects in Milan, including renovations at the Royal Palace. This architectural drawing records his plans for a ceremonial staircase intended to impress visitors as they ascended through the palace’s public rooms. The Palazzo Reale had long served as a seat of power; Piermarini’s interventions update...