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The Last Supper Milan Overview
The Last Supper - The Story of the Painting
The painting of the Last Supper was the commissioned work of Ludovico Sforza, who wanted to embellish the wall of the museum with the art of Leonardo Da Vinci. The work on the painting continued from 1495 to 1498, when he painted the beautiful picture of Jesus Christ and his twelve Disciples having their last supper of life. You will be astonished to know that the lunettes above the painting were created with Sforza’s coats of arms. Although several factors led to the deterioration of the painting, the painting still survived.
Leonardo favored oil painting as a medium because it allowed the artist to work slowly and efficiently to make changes. He painted The Last Supper Painting Milan on a wall that was coated with a double layer of gesso,mastic and other elements rather than painting with water-soluble pigments. He then added an undercoat of white lead to bring out the brightness of the oil and tempera that was painted on top.
The Last Supper Milan depicted each apostle's emotion when Jesus declared one of them would betray him. With varying degrees of anger and dismay, each of the twelve apostles responds to the news uniquely. Using a mid-sixteenth-century unsigned fresco replica of Leonardo's Cenacolo, the apostles were recognized by their names. Initially, only Judas, Peter, John, and Jesus had been positively recognized. The mathematician Luca Pacioli, a friend of Leonardo's, described the painting The Last Supper Painting Milan as "a symbol of man's burning desire for salvation" as it was being created.
History About The Leonardo’s Last Supper
The Last Supper Milan was the commissioned work of Ludovico Sforza when Leonardo Da Vinci was on his extended stay in the city of Milan. The working of painting started in 1495, and the artist worked on his creation slowly while taking long pauses between sessions. After three years of hard work, the painting got completed in 1498, and you can witness the notorious perfectionism of the artist in the painting.
While creating this painting, Leonardo Da Vinci tried an experimental tactic using oil paint or tempera colors on double layers of dry preparatory ground. The delay in the painting procedure made the painting start to flake within a few hours. Its condition kept on getting deteriorated due to the dampness of the area, steam and smoke from the monastery’s kitchen, and soot from the refectory’s candle. Several restorations took place, but a flood beginning in the 19th century created a mold growth on the painting. The painting suffered massive damage during World War II.
After an extensive and controversial restoration for 20 years, the Last Supper Painting was successfully restored in 1999. The restoration workers performed the work of removing previous retouches, coats of varnish, and layers of grime in small batches. They added beige watercolors to the places that cannot be restored. Although some critics argued that the painting does not have much left of the original work of Leonardo Da Vinci, others applauded the recovery of tiny details in the painting.
Plan your Visit to The Last Supper Milan
By Metro- To reach the Last Supper Milan, visitors can take the M1 metro from the Duomo stop to Cadorna, from where you can take a walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can also take the M2 metro line to Cadorna to reach the museum if it is convenient for you.
By Tram- If you want to go on public transportation, tram number 16 will drop you at the foot of the museum, where you can witness the painting of the Last Supper.
By Foot- The location of the Last Supper painting, Santa Marie delle Grazie, is about a few minutes walking distance from the Duomo or Centro Storico area. You can opt for this route, but it is a little far and can become difficult to travel with children.
The best time to visit the museum to see Last Supper Painting Milan is during the fall or winter season. These seasons are favorable to see the painting as the Last Supper Tickets Milan are easily available. However, it is advisable to check the calendar for the two winter Fashion Weeks in the city (i.e., one in January and another one in February) as it becomes difficult to get hotel rooms and tickets to the Last Supper. You must also know that the museum remains closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, 1st May (Labor Day), and Christmas. So, check the calendar before purchasing the Last Supper Tickets Milan.
To visit the Last Supper in Milan, it is essential to follow a strict dress code. People, both men and women, should cover their knees and shoulders at all times.
You are not allowed to take flash photography inside the museum that houses the Last Supper Milan.Do not visit the attraction with an informal dress code as you will run the risk of receiving the disapproving stare from the other guests.Visitors are strictly prohibited to carry any food and beverages inside the museum.The guests are requested to put their umbrellas and coats in the waiting area from where they can collect them while returning.Large bags, strollers, and water bottles are not allowed inside the museum, but you can carry day packs.
FAQ's of The Last Supper Milan
What is the hidden message in the Last Supper?
There have been many theories about the hidden message in the Last Supper Milan. Some believe that John, sitting on the right side of Jesus, is a woman named Mary Magdalene. While some people believe Leonardo may have been transmitting a numerological message by placing a halo on Jesus and his followers.
Where can I book a Last Supper Milan ticket?
There are two ways to book Last Supper Painting Milan Tickets, i.e., offline or online. You can purchase the ticket from the ticket counter of the attraction. However, you can choose to book the tickets online through the official website of the attraction as it is a hassle-free way to purchase tickets from the comfort of your own home.
Why is the Last Supper famous?
The Last Supper Painting Milan is famous for the representation of Jesus and his followers during the final hours of their life. It is one of the most admirable, desirable, and studied paintings that garnered the interest of tourists for its monumental simplicity. The composition of the painting is sturdy and the power of its effect can be reflected in the attitudes of the twelve disciples corresponding to Jesus.
What are the attractions near the Last Supper?
The attractions near the Last Supper that you must include in your travel itinerary are Piazza del Duomo, The Scala Theater, Sforza Castle, Navigli, Lake Como and Bellagio, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, and the Brera Art Gallery. Each of these attractions offers plenty of things to have a wonderful time with your friends and family in Milan, Italy.
Where can I see the Last Supper painting?
You can see the Last Supper Milan in the refectory of the Dominican convent of the Santa Maria delle Grazie. This Leonardo Da Vinci painting is situated in one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites hanging on the walls of the dining room.
What are the best attractions to see in Rome?
- Roman Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Trevi Fountain
What are some best attractions to visit in Italy with tickets option?
Here are some of the best attractions in Italy, including options for Accademia Gallery, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Doge's Palace:
Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) - Florence:
- Attraction: Home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David.
- Purchase Accademia Gallery tickets in advance to skip the long lines. You can buy them on the official website or through reputable ticket vendors.
Leaning Tower of Pisa - Pisa:
- Attraction: The iconic leaning tower, part of the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
- Tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa can be purchased on the official website or on-site. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) - Venice:
- Attraction: A stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and former residence of the Doge of Venice.
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The official website and other authorized platforms offer tickets for Doge's Palace and often combined tickets with other nearby attractions like the St. Mark's Basilica.