Cenacolo

Milan’s importance as a major European and global nucleus is undeniable.  This importance can be seen from scholastic to economic fields, and is no less present in the world of art.  When thinking of one of history’s greatest genius, Leonardo da Vinci, Milan’s importance continues to hold.  At a local Dominican convent, the Santa Maria delle Grazie, is gracefully housed one of da Vinci’s pinnacle works: The Last Supper, or as known by locals, Il Cenacolo.

Il Cenacolo is one of the masterful pieces of universal art. Il Cenacolo is passion. It’s art.  Walking the ten steps that extent this fresco is as emotionally memorable as were our first ten steps. It is tragedy. It is controversy. Il Cenacolo is a most see for the intrepid traveler that seeks the hidden wonders of the art world.

This colossal mural depicts the moment curtly after Jesus notoriously said, “in truth, in truth I say to you: one of you will betray me.”  Part of the fame that is accredited to this painting is due to the unconventionality of the reaction of the apostles to this remark. Paintings in the same subject matter typically show a monotonous picture, where all the apostles hold a similar stance, and the only irregularity is Judas’ posture. Others show halos in all the apostles except for Judas, the traitor.  Instead, da Vinci opted to show the varying degrees of anger that the remark caused. These can be easily deduced, and all summit with Jesus’ obvious look of desolation. 

Another source of admiration is Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliant use of technical perspective and symmetry, specially provided the immense size of the piece (~ 365 sq. feet). The vanishing point is placed in such a way that it seems the painting is an extension of the dining hall where it is found.  At the same time, all the elements in the picture are angled such that the main locus of energy is the head of Jesus Christ.

The overall experience of seeing this piece consumed me with awe. Therefore, with great emotion and excitement, I pledge to you to take the 10 steps that span the mural, and see this monumental masterpiece for yourself.