Why is The Last Supper important?

The Last Supper is important in Christianity, art history and Milan tourism. It also holds significance for being a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci. Painted in the late 15th century, it's renowned for its amazing art techniques and emotional story. It has lasted for 500 years, has survived many catastrophes and holds an irreplaceable position in Milan's cultural tapestry. It acts as a magnetic force, drawing global tourists and art aficionados to the city. The Last Supper's profound impact on Milan's tourism sector underscores its vital role in the city's economy, as well as the immense pride the Milanese people take in safeguarding this iconic work of art.

Plan your Last Supper visit

Opening hours

Tuesday - Sunday: 8:15am to 7pm

Last access: 6:45pm

Closed on: Monday, New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.

Note: Only a maximum of 18 visitors are allowed in the viewing area for a duration of 15 minutes.

Detailed The Last Supper opening hours

Location

Address: The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano,) Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2 20123 Milan, Italy

Find on maps

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is housed in Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie church, centrally located in Milan, Italy. It can also be found on the wall of the dining room of the former Dominican convent.

Nearest landmark: Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, 750 m

Nearest metro station: Cadorna, 600 m

Detailed directions to Last Supper Milan

How to view the Last Supper in Milan?

Da Vinci's Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

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Milan Cathedral, City Center and Last Supper Guided Tour

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3 hr.

Guided tour

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Milan City Center and Last Supper Guided Tour

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2 hr. - 3 hr.

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Milan in a Day: Downtown, Last Supper, & Cathedral Guided Tour with Museum Pass

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6 hr.

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Who painted The Last Supper painting?

The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, who was much more than just a painter. Renowned for his brilliance during the Renaissance, he was a true polymath with an insatiable curiosity. He paid incredible attention to detail and understood human anatomy like few others. Besides painting the famous The Last Supper, he's also known for the mysterious smile of the Mona Lisa. But his influence wasn't limited to art — he also explored science and new ideas, leaving a lasting mark on our world. Leonardo da Vinci's genius combined art, intellect, and innovation in a truly remarkable one.

Who was Leonardo da Vinci?

The Last Supper: Who is who?

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Jesus and the apostles

From left to right, the characters represented in the painting The Last Supper are Bartholomew, James, Andrew, Peter, Judas, John, Jesus, Thomas, James Major, Philip, Matthew, Thaddeus, and Simon.

Bartholomew, James and Andrew

Bartholomew, one of the 12 apostles, is also called Nathanael, meaning ‘son of Tolmai’ in Hebrew. In the Gospel of John, Jesus praises him as “a true Israelite, without deceit”. James the Less, son of Alphaeus, spent three years with Jesus, witnessing his teachings and miracles. He's also known as the minor or the younger in some translations. Andrew the Apostle, born between AD 5 and AD 10, was initially a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. He was Jesus's first disciple and is honored in the Byzantine Church as Protokletos, meaning ‘the first called.’

Peter, Judas and John

Originally Simon, Peter, a Galilean fisherman, was renamed ‘rock’ by Jesus. He led the early Church and was crucified upside-down in Rome by Emperor Nero. Judas Iscariot, from Judah, betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Despite being the disciples' treasurer, he was dishonest, and was described as a thief in the Bible. Among the 12 apostles, John is recorded as the youngest, with his brother James also counted among them. John has often been confused for Mary Magdalene due to his feminine features, spurring a conspiracy theory among art lovers.

Jesus Christ

Jesus sits at the center, surrounded by his twelve disciples. He is depicted as the focal point, his serene demeanor contrasting with the turmoil around him. Symbolizing divine grace and leadership, Jesus embodies the spiritual essence of the scene.

Thomas, James Major and Philip

Thomas earned the nickname ‘Doubting Thomas’ for questioning Jesus' resurrection initially. However, he later affirmed his faith, declaring, ‘My Lord and my God,’ upon witnessing Jesus' crucifixion wounds. James the Greater was among Jesus' earliest disciples and the first to be martyred by Herod Agrippa in AD 44. He is also renowned for spreading Christianity in Spain. Philip, hailing from the city of Bethsaida, was one of the disciples present with John the Baptist when he identified Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Matthew, Thaddeus and Simon

Matthew, who hailed from Galilee, witnessed the Ascension of Jesus. As a tax collector, he likely possessed proficiency in both Aramaic and Greek languages. The apostle Jude Thaddeus, also known as Thaddeus or Jude of James, is depicted with a club as his attribute. Icons often show him with a flame around his head, symbolizing his presence at Pentecost. Simon the Zealot joined the apostles at the age of 28 and purportedly spread the Gospel in Egypt. He remains one of the lesser-known apostles.

The painting's subject

The last meal of Jesus with the apostles

Also recognized as Il Cenacolo, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper captures the profound scene detailed in the New Testament, wherein Jesus Christ shares his final meal with his 12 apostles, marking a poignant moment before his crucifixion.

The revelation of betrayal

In this crucial moment, Jesus reveals that one of his closest followers will betray him, stirring intense emotions among the apostles. Leonardo da Vinci's painting vividly captures their shock and confusion as they grapple with this revelation, adding depth to the Last Supper story. One of them even asks, ‘Is it me, my Lord?’ in incredulity.

Departure from traditional iconography

In contrast to traditional representations that depict Jesus with a halo to emphasize his divinity, Leonardo da Vinci's approach in The Last Supper diverges by utilizing perspective and symmetry. Through these artistic techniques, da Vinci directs attention to the central figure, Jesus, without the conventional halo. This deliberate omission underscores Jesus' humanity while acknowledging his divine significance.

Technique and composition of the painting

Medium

During the Renaissance, fresco painting was prevalent, but Da Vinci employed a unique technique for this masterpiece. Unlike traditional frescoes painted on wet plaster, he used tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic, offering more flexibility and time for meticulous detailing. However, the unconventional method caused paint flaking within a few years due to poor pigment adhesion to the wall.

Perspective

In The Last Supper art, perspective helps make the painting feel real. The lines and positions of things draw your eyes to Jesus in the middle, making him stand out. This makes the scene important and makes you feel like you're there with the characters.

Light and Shadow

Leonardo da Vinci employed chiaroscuro, a method of contrasting light and shadow, to add depth and realism to the figures. Light falls on the apostles' faces, revealing their emotions, while shadows create drama and mystery in the painting.

The Grouping of Apostles

The arrangement of the apostles has stirred much discussion among art historians. Leonardo da Vinci's portrayal depicts Christ's disciples organized in groups of three, a composition laden with symbolic significance. This grouping reflects the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, a central tenet of Christian belief, where Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united in divine harmony.

The mood of the painting

Anger

Anger simmers within Matthew, his wild, swinging hands and tense posture revealing a simmering frustration. His fervent dedication to his cause fuels the flames of indignation, his righteous anger burning bright against perceived injustices, whether worldly or spiritual.

Shock

Andrew's face registers shock, and his hands are in the air, as if struggling to comprehend the gravity of the momentous occasion. The unexpected revelations and unfolding events leave him stunned, caught in a whirlwind of disbelief and uncertainty, his world momentarily upended by the revelations before him.

Calmness

Amid all the feelings, Jesus sits calmly, his peaceful look and relaxed manner making everyone around him feel safe and sure. His presence is like a steady rock in a rough sea, giving comfort and strength to his followers in their worries and confusion. He shines like a light of unwavering faith and heavenly peace amid all the human struggles and emotions.

Fear

Fear grips the hearts of James Major and Philip, as they sit in stunned silence and turn towards Jesus for more clarity. The grief of not being able to understand the revelation of Christ to its full extent is also clearly visible here.

History of The Last Supper artwork

1495-1497: Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, to create The Last Supper as part of the renovation of the Santa Maria della Grazie. He worked on this masterpiece for two years, capturing the pivotal moment when Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray him.

Early 16th century: The paint deteriorates due to the unconventional medium.

18th century: The painting suffered significant damage due to neglect, wartime bombings, and environmental factors and misguided restoration attempts, resulting in loss of original detail and color.

19th century: Efforts were made to restore the artwork, but challenges persisted.

20th century: The Last Supper survived bombings during World War II, showcasing its resilience. A 21-year restoration project led by Pinin Brambilla Barcilon was initiated. Advanced scientific techniques were employed to remove contaminants and reveal the original brilliance.

Detailed history of The Last Supper

The story of the Last Supper

The story of The Last Supper is a rather moving one. The painting portrays the moment when Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him. It begins with Jesus and his apostles gathering for a special dinner during Passover. While they enjoyed the meal, Jesus confided in them about what he knew. The apostles couldn't believe it and asserted that none of them would betray him.

Then, Jesus did something important: He took bread, blessed it, and shared it with them. He said the bread was his body, about to be sacrificed for them. He did the same with wine, saying it represented his blood, which would save them. This became the tradition of communion. After that, Jesus surprised everyone by washing their feet, showing that serving others was important. One of the apostles, Peter, did not like it at first, but Jesus explained that it was a lesson in humility.

And so, that night became known as The Last Supper, a time when Jesus showed his love, even in the face of betrayal.

Frequently asked questions about The Last Supper

Why is The Last Supper painting famous?

The Last Supper is famous for several reasons. It captures a big moment in religious history and focuses on the emotional world of the apostles. It is also famous because of how well it has survived abuse, including a world war, and has had the resilience to last for 500 years.

How old was da Vinci when he painted the Last Supper?

Leonardo da Vinci was around 43 years old when he painted The Last Supper.

Is photography allowed inside the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie?

Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the church to ensure the preservation of this precious artwork.

How does Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper painting differ from earlier depictions of the same scene in art history?

It breaks from earlier depictions by focusing on the dramatic moment of Jesus' betrayal announcement, showcasing individual reactions and human emotions rather than traditional symmetry.

What are some hidden details in The Last Supper?

Leonardo da Vinci's arrangement of figures and their gestures symbolize the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity and the sacrament of communion. The painting also holds some strange secrets and conspiracy theories, one of which is the presence of Mary Magdalene.

What is the significance of the food depicted on the table?

The food depicted on the table in The Last Supper symbolizes the bread and wine of the Eucharist, central elements of the Christian sacrament of communion, representing the body and blood of Christ.

How did The Last Supper influence later art and culture?

The painting has profoundly influenced later art and culture by setting a standard for composition, symbolism, and storytelling in religious art. Its innovative use of perspective, emotional depth, and narrative complexity inspired countless artists and became an enduring symbol of Christian faith and iconography in Western culture. It is also a pop culture reference, as can be seen in South Park and shows like The Simpsons.

What are some myths or misconceptions about The Last Supper?

Several myths and misconceptions surround The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. One common misconception is that Mary Magdalene is depicted among the disciples, while in reality, there is no historical or biblical evidence to support this claim. Another misconception is that the painting accurately depicts the moment Jesus institutes the Eucharist, whereas it actually captures the moment when Jesus announces his impending betrayal by one of the disciples. Additionally, some people believe that the painting's deterioration was solely due to Leonardo's experimental techniques, but it was also affected by environmental factors and restoration attempts over the centuries.

How can I get tickets to see The Last Supper in Milan?

You can purchase tickets online or from an authorized Last Supper Milan ticket platform. It's recommended that you plan six weeks or more in advance due to its popularity.