Milan, Italy: Leonardo da Vinci - Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide - Travel Bite

Summary

This video explores Leonardo da Vinci's profound influence on Milan during the Renaissance, highlighting his roles as a painter, engineer, and architect. It discusses his notable contributions, including the reengineering of Milan's canal system and the creation of the iconic equestrian monument for the Sforza family. The centerpiece is the Last Supper, a masterpiece showcasing Jesus's last meal with his disciples, emphasizing the psychological tension of betrayal. The video highlights the careful preservation efforts of this fragile work of art, inviting viewers to appreciate Leonardo's genius and the lasting impact of his legacy in Milan.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Leonardo da Vinci is closely associated with Milan, where he spent significant productive years under the patronage of the Sforza family.
• 👨‍🎨 Leonardo was a quintessential Renaissance man, excelling as a painter, sculptor, musician, scientist, engineer, and architect.
• 🗿 A statue celebrates Leonardo's contributions to Milan, highlighting his diverse professional achievements.
• 🚤 Leonardo redesigned Milan's canal system, enhancing the city's status as a major port until the 1920s.
• 🏇 He designed the largest equestrian monument in the world for the Sforza family, although the original was destroyed in 1499.
• 🖼️ Leonardo's masterpiece, the 'Last Supper,' is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and is accessible by reservation only.
• ⏳ Reservations for viewing the 'Last Supper' can be booked well over a month in advance due to its popularity.
• 💧 The humidity levels in the room displaying the 'Last Supper' are carefully regulated to preserve the artwork's integrity.
• 👥 In the 'Last Supper,' Leonardo captures the psychological drama among the apostles as Jesus reveals that one will betray him.
• 🕊️ Despite suffering deterioration, the 'Last Supper' remains a vibrant masterpiece, with recent restorations enhancing its original beauty.

Q & A

How did Leonardo da Vinci contribute to the reputation of Milan?

Leonardo da Vinci contributed significantly to Milan's reputation for design and aesthetics during his time there, especially through his artistic and engineering achievements.

Which family provided patronage to Leonardo during his years in Milan?

Leonardo enjoyed the generous patronage of the Sforza family while he lived in Milan.

What does it mean to refer to Leonardo as a 'Renaissance genius'?

Referring to Leonardo as a 'Renaissance genius' highlights his well-rounded talents in various fields, including painting, sculpture, music, science, engineering, and architecture.

What is significant about the equestrian monument designed by Leonardo?

Leonardo designed the largest equestrian monument in the world for the Sforza family, but the original was destroyed by invading French troops in 1499. It was later rebuilt in 1999 based on Leonardo's drawings.

Where can one see Leonardo's masterpiece 'The Last Supper'?

The Last Supper is located in the Monk's dining hall adjacent to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

What are the visiting restrictions for 'The Last Supper'?

Admission to The Last Supper is by reservation only, and spots can be booked well over a month in advance, with groups of 25 allowed in every 15 minutes.

Why is the humidity carefully regulated for 'The Last Supper'?

Humidity is carefully regulated to preserve the fragility of the fresco, which began deteriorating within six years of its completion due to Leonardo's experimental fresco technique.

How does Leonardo capture the psychological drama in 'The Last Supper'?

Leonardo captures psychological drama by showing the apostles reacting to Jesus' announcement of betrayal, grouping them in stressed clusters, each exhibiting a range of emotions.

What is the significance of perspective in 'The Last Supper'?

Leonardo employs a masterful understanding of perspective, with lines converging on Christ, emphasizing him as the powerful center of the composition.

What restoration efforts have been made to 'The Last Supper'?

A recent restoration peeled away 500 years of touch-ups, revealing a faint yet vibrant masterpiece that captures the original work's essence.