This collection of menus gives an introductory look into the dining habits of Italian nobility. During the turn of the 20th century, the trend in menu design called for few graphic, except for the family crest, which was generally embossed directly onto the paper.
What really catches one’s attention, however, are the elegant dishes included on the menu. The dishes often are often a reflection of the occasion for which they were to be served.
The menus were created for dinners hosted by many of Italy’s great noble families, including Borromeo, Meli Lupi di Soragna, Negroni, Spinola, Visconti and Litta.
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April 4, 1877 – Italy: lunch
Occasion unknown, Sola Cabiati Family.
Written in French – Italian Cuisine 4 pages, color lithograph, menu written by hand, Stern, Parigi.
This menu is from the collection of Don Alessandro Greppi, whose family was from Lombardy. Many other of Don Greppi's documents are now part of our collection.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.11 – INV. 1677.
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March 10, 1883 – Belgirate (VB), Italy, Villa Dal Pozzo D'Annone: lunch
Occasion unknown, Marchese Dal Pozzo D'Annone.
Written in French – Italian Cuisine
1 page, letterpress–color lithograph, gold frame, hand-written menu.
The guests that attended this luncheon are listed on the backside of the menu and include Mr. and Mrs. Visconti D'Aragona, Mr. & Mrs. Trotti, Mr. & Mrs. Aliprandi, Mr. & Mrs. Piola, Don Alessandro and Don Lorenzo Greppi. The menu itself is composed of elegant dishes.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.07 – INV. 1773.
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November 4, 1886 – Senago (MI), Italy Villa Borromeo: lunch
Lunch of San Carlo, Borromeo Family.
Written in French – Italian Cuisine
4 pages, lithograph in two colors, crest and motto of the Borromeo family, photo applied by hand.
San Carlo Borromeo (1538–1584) is remembered every year on November 4th. Villa Borromeo, the historic residence built in the 14th century and surrounded by a large park, has been converted into a luxurious 5 star hotel. Thankfully, the original architecture and interior décor were conserved.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.03 – INV. 1669.
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March 26, 1911 – Milan, Italy, Palazzo Visconti: lunch
The Fourth Sunday of Lent, Count Giuseppe Visconti and Countess Carla.
Written in French – International Cuisine
1 page, color lithograph, hand-written menu, Tipografia G. Beretta.
This menu contains an interesting image of the dining room set for lunch and decorated according to the 19th century fashions. It is unlikely to find graphics on aristocratic menus, excluding those of the Blasoni family. The dishes listed on the menu have an international flavor. The guest list of the lunch is written on the back of the menu. Some of the people in attendance include members of the D’Alberti, Durini Brambilla, Litta, Scheiber and Visconti families.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.44 – INV. 1664.
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April, 13 1912 – Soragna (PR), Italy, Rocca Meli Lupi: lunch
The First Saturday after Easter, Princes Meli Lupi of Soragna.
Written in French – International Cuisine
4 pages, color lithograph, coat of arms of Meli Lupi, hand-written menu.
This menu, written in pencil, contains the names of the guests attending the lunch.
Il menu reca, a matita, in quarta, la disposizione e i nomi dei compensali del pranzo.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.38 – INV. 1700.
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May 30, 1912 – Pessano (MI), Italy, Villa Negroni: lunch
Negroni wedding celebration – Da Zara, Negroni Prati Morosini Family.
Written in French – International Cuisine
4 pages, letterpress and color lithograph, gold background, Off. G. Ricordi & C., Milano.
The National Braidense Library of Milan contains a portrait of Bianca Negroni Da Zara made in 1917 by Emilio Sommaria. This menu, celebrating her marriage, presents very high-quality gastronomic specialties.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.35 – INV. 1682.
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April 19, 1920 – Genoa, Italy, Villa Spinola: lunch
Occasion unknown Marchesi Spinola.
Written in Italian – Italian Cuisine
4 pages, lithograph printed in two colors, includes table arrangements.
The menu is missing, however the table arrangement remains. The table design indicates that Duke and Duchess Spinola are seated at the head of the main table.
[Academia Barilla Gastronomic Library – Historic Menu Collection. State of Italy – Italian Nobility].
COLLOC. A.13.40 – INV. 2186.
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