Foreign travellers in Milan and their interests: From the landmarks on the Grand Tour to the art and antiquities market.

This article examines the presence and activities of foreign travelers in mid-nineteenth-century Milan, with a particular focus on the cultural context of art collecting and the city’s evolving image. It analyzes local guidebooks, private aristocratic collections, and the antiquarian market to reveal how Milan’s artistic heritage—both public and private—was perceived and promoted to international visitors, despite the city’s relative neglect compared to other Italian destinations. The study highlights key figures such as Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, a prominent collector, and Alfonso Reichmann, a hotelier and art dealer whose establishment served as a hub for international art trade and cultural exchange. Through these case studies, the article sheds light on Milan’s gradual emergence as a significant center for art collecting and the complex networks connecting local collectors, foreign connoisseurs, and dealers during this period.