The facade of the Duomo of Milan remains linked to the designs of Giuseppe Brentano, whose submission in a late 19th-century competition earned the project commission. Although the architect worked within eclectic styles, his vision for the cathedral prioritized a return to gothic principles, a directive that contrasted with the existing plans authored by Carlo Buzzi.
Professional Education
Born in 1862 in Milan, Giuseppe Brentano entered the architecture field following in the footsteps of his father. He enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1883, known then as the Istituto tecnico superiore. During his time there, he received instruction from Camillo Boito and his assistant, Luca Beltrami. He finalized his architectural diploma in 1887.
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Shortly after beginning his studies, Brentano traveled to Venice and participated in the Gori-Ferroni Competition held in Siena, Italy. He submitted proposals for both a classical exhibition palace and a church designed in a medieval style. To prepare for his later work on the Duomo, he undertook an extensive research tour across Europe. This journey allowed him to review plans and technical details with experts such as Friedrich von Schmidt in Vienna and the son of Viollet-le-Duc in Paris.
The Duomo Facade Project
Brentano entered a competition to design the facade of the Duomo of Milan, aiming to update elements derived from the 16th and 17th-century plans of Carlo Buzzi. His initial entry incorporated two bell towers. Following a second competition in 1888, he secured the project and collaborated with Giovanni Brambilla to construct a wooden model, which remains at the Cathedral today. While he began procuring construction materials, the project stalled following his death.
Architectural Output
Beyond his work on the Duomo, Brentano completed several specific commissions. He designed a funeral chapel and the Anglican church located in Cadenabbia, opting for a gothic aesthetic for the latter. Despite his ambition to alter the Duomo, local opposition to the modernization of the cathedral's medieval elements ultimately limited the physical execution of his designs, with only the bronze portals by Ludovico Pogliaghi reaching completion.
Fast facts
- Born: 1862, Milan
- Died: 1889, Milan
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy
- Education: Polytechnic University of Milan
- Known project: Anglican church in Cadenabbia
- Competition won: Gori-Ferroni Competition
Questions readers ask
Why was Brentano's Duomo design never finished?
His sudden death in 1889 led to the project being abandoned, compounded by local resistance to the modernization of the cathedral's medieval architecture.
Who were Brentano's mentors?
He studied under Camillo Boito and Luca Beltrami at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Achievements
- Trained at Polytechnic University of Milan
