Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci

This site comprises "The Last Supper", the masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci that inspired books and movies

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

This postcard was sent by Claus

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, situated in the heart of Milan, is an outstanding work of architecture, and an emblem within the Catholic tradition. Santa Maria delle Grazie is perhaps even more famous for its indissoluable connection to Leonardo Da Vinci's fresco of “The Last Supper,” preserved inside its refectory (dining hall).

The Church is one of Renaissance art's most important testimonies and a shining symbol of creative human genius -  thus it became a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. 

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

This postcard was sent by Marina

The Last Supper is one of the most recognized and appreciated artistic masterpieces in the world – by Da Vinci and in general – and is the only fresco of its kind still visible today. 

The painting’s theme is that of the Gospel of John, in which Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him. 

Da Vinci set the long refectory table at stage center in this room, with Christ at the center of a pyramid formed by extended arms. 

Around Christ the apostles are painted in four groups of three, varied but symmetrically level. The use of perspective and the placement of the personages draws focus to the center of the painting, whence it seems that it is Christ who not only watches over the entire scene, but who seems to be living this decisive moment intensely, and in the very present.

Leonardo da Vinci adopted the technique of layering the fresco (commissioned by Ludovico Sforza) with tempera paint, so that he could be free in his creativity; such has created remarkable problems for the fresco over time, given the dramatic effect that changes in climate can have on it. 

Anglo-American bombers struck the Church and Convent in 1943: while the Refectory was razed to the ground, a few of the structure’s walls survived, including that of the Refectory, as it had been reinforced prior with sandbags. It was saved from the War and remains still today an icon of devotion for Milanese Catholics. - in: http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/unesco-world-heritage-sites/santa-maria-delle-grazie-with-the-last-supper.html