To visit in Milan: Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

One of the most famous and shrouded in mystery works in the art world, studied fervently, admired by generations, the subject of countless books and films, and a pride of UNESCO's World Heritage: we are talking about "The Last Supper" or "Cenacolo" by Leonardo da Vinci, housed in Milan's Refectory of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The commission of this extraordinary work was entrusted to the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci by the Lord of Milan, Ludovico il Moro, to celebrate the powerful Sforza family. The church itself, desired by Ludovico as a place of celebration and mausoleum for his family, thus became the perfect setting for this masterpiece.

Leonardo worked on the painting from 1494 to 1497, simultaneously with his other artistic projects. Ludovico Il Moro granted Leonardo a plot of land in front of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, so he could be near the place where he was completing the work.

The gaze falls on a dramatic moment taken from the Gospel of John: the instant when Christ, at the center and surrounded by the apostles, reveals Judas' betrayal. Leonardo paints an intense moment, depicting a tumult of expressions: gestures, movements, surprises, incredulous and confused looks revolving around Jesus. Leonardo masterfully uses perspective, with Christ at the center, creating the illusion that the space of the room extends into the painting itself, involving the viewer in the unfolding drama. The depicted objects, utensils, and tablecloths, are carefully detailed according to the customs of the time, giving a touch of authenticity and contemporaneity to the work. The preservation of "The Last Supper" requires extreme care, leading to limited visits.

Leonardo experimented not only in the representation of the scene but also in the technique of creation, opting for mixed tempera on plaster instead of fresco, causing signs of deterioration already after a few decades.

The restoration completed in the 1990s restored the colors to their original vibrancy, allowing the masterpiece to shine once again in its magnificence.

Location:

Santa Maria delle Grazie Square, 20123 Milan MI

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