Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano, Art museum in Milan, Italy
The Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano occupies part of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, rebuilt in part after the 1943 bombings. A short route leads to the refectory, where Leonardo da Vinci's dry mural The Last Supper covers the north wall, painted around 1484-1498. On the south wall hangs Donato Montorfano's Crucifixion of Christ, made in the same years.
Leonardo painted The Last Supper on the north wall of the refectory around 1484–1498, using a dry technique rather than true fresco. On the opposite south wall, Donato Montorfano's Crucifixion of Christ was probably made in the same period. The convent was partly rebuilt after the 1943 bombings, and the museum now manages the refectory and its paintings.
The painting captures a moment of shock and emotion as Jesus announces his betrayal to the twelve disciples seated around the table. Each figure responds differently to this revelation, their gestures and expressions revealing distinct personalities and inner reactions.
Entry is tightly controlled, with visitors admitted in small groups of about 35 people to protect the painting from damage. It is strongly recommended to book tickets well in advance, as availability is limited and walk-in visits during peak times are often impossible.
The mural showcases Leonardo's revolutionary perspective technique that creates the illusion of Jesus and the disciples sitting in the same room with you. This optical trick was entirely new in Leonardo's time and influenced artists for generations to come.
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