The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci, 1498

Step into the captivating world of "The Last Supper" at Galleria del Giardino. This masterpiece, also known as "Il Cenacolo" or "L'Ultima Cena," is a mural painted by the revered Italian High Renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci, around 1495–1498. Located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy, this painting portrays the poignant moment of Jesus' last meal with his Twelve Apostles, as recounted in the Gospel of John, following his revelation about betrayal.

Leonardo's virtuosity in handling space, mastery of perspective, depiction of motion, and portrayal of intricate human emotions have cemented this artwork as one of the most iconic in the Western world and a pinnacle of Leonardo's oeuvre. Some scholars even credit it with marking the onset of the High Renaissance.

Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, as part of a renovation project for the church and its premises, "The Last Supper" bears witness to Leonardo's genius and innovation. Using tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic, Leonardo adapted his materials to accommodate his evolving artistic vision, resulting in a painting susceptible to environmental factors and deliberate damage.

Despite numerous restoration efforts, including the latest in 1999, the original painting has suffered considerable loss. Nevertheless, "The Last Supper" remains a testament to Leonardo's monumental talent, second only in scale to the Sala delle Asse.

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