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In early 19th century, when designing additions to existing buildings the prevailing doctrine was of matching to the existing style. The centuries old debate over a suitable style for the façade of the Milan Cathedral was decided in the same way. An initiative deriving from the Emperor Napoleon to get the west front completed was carried out by Giuseppe Zanoia and his assistant Carlo Amati (1776-1852), based on designs by Felice Soave and Leopold Pollack. The screen of tracery left the 16th-century doorways and windows by Pellegrino Tibaldi intact, an approach which was soon criticised as illogical.
The photo shows the west front of the cathedral. The gable finials are by Giuseppe Brentano from 1888.
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