Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper painted for Lodovico il Moro in the refectory of the Dominican Santa Maria delle Grazie in 1495-97 is a highlight of the trip so far. Leonardo depicts the moment after Christ has uttered the words, "One of you will betray me". The artist captures their amazement in facial expressions and body language. Dominican refractories always have a painting of the crucifixion on one end and the last supper on the other end. The tablecloth, plates and bowls were probably copied from the convent to give the impression that Christ was at table with the monks.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Refectory marked - painting on top end of mark - peaceful cloister to the right.
Christ is in the middle of the photo with groups of three apostles on either side. To his right is John, Peter and Judas. The next group of three inside out is Andrew, James the Lesser and Bartholomew. To his left is Thomas (finger up), James the Greater and Philip. The next three inside out are Matthew, Thaddaeus and Simon. The isolated, serene figure of Christ contrasts with the agitated Aposltes. Half-closed lips show he had just spoken. Spilt salt in front of Judas a sign of bad luck. Peter with knife in hand symbolizes cutting off the ear of a guard in the garden after last supper. The mother of the two James wanted one on the right hand and left hand of Jesus in heaven and so are painted one on the right, the other on the left. Thomas. With finger up - "Unless I put my finger into wounds". Matthew is dressed well because as a tax collector he was wealthy.
The face of Judas is that of the prior of the convent who kept asking when the painting would be done.
It took 22 years to try to restore this painting completed in 1999. The method Leonardo used meant it was already deteriorating 5 years after it was painted. Other reasons for deterioration was the room was used as a stable in Napoleonic times and a bomb in WWII hit the building. In the 1700's a door was cut in the wall to get food faster into the dining room hence the feet of Jesus are missing. Hot food to the monks seemed more important than part of a masterpiece.
It took 22 years to try to restore this painting completed in 1999. The method Leonardo used meant it was already deteriorating 5 years after it was painted. Other reasons for deterioration was the room was used as a stable in Napoleonic times and a bomb in WWII hit the building. In the 1700's a door was cut in the wall to get food faster into the dining room hence the feet of Jesus are missing. Hot food to the monks seemed more important than part of a masterpiece.
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