Leonardo’s Masterpiece

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” was never intended to be seen by you?

I love art so I was very excited when I recently had an opportunity to see this masterpiece in person.  I quickly learned how little I know about this artwork.

Dining Room Wall

Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by the new ruler of Milan to paint his masterpiece, “The Last Supper”.  It was painted on the wall in the convent’s refectory (dining hall) so the monks could reflect on the story as they ate their meals. 

Leonardo captured the moment in which Jesus announced “… one of you will betray me” arousing surprise and dismay in the apostles gathered around him. This allowed the artist to accentuate the various psychologies through intense gestures, expressions and postures.

The actual painting was done between about 1494 and 1498. It is approximately 29 feet wide and 15 feet tall, located about 8 feet above the floor. Da Vinci used perspective skillfully to present the scene as an extension of the actual space, so the viewer becomes a participant in the sacred episode.

World War II

During World War II, there was a massive bombing campaign on Milan and its outskirts. The explosions and the ensuing fires killed over 700 people and destroyed many of the city’s most important buildings and monuments, including a significant portion of the monastery.

Miraculously, the wall with the painting survived, probably because it had been shored up with sandbags and mattresses, but the roof of the refectory was blown off and the other walls were decimated.

Visit

If you ever have a chance go to Milan, a visit to see this treasure is a must. However, do plan ahead since tickets are limited and generally require about three month advance purchase.