Florence, Italy, a city steeped in history and art, is home to countless masterpieces. Among these treasures lies an almost unknown (relatively speaking, at least) Renaissance painting: a beautiful cenacolo, or a painting of The Last Supper, housed in the simple church and attached convent of Convento della Calza, dating to the 13th century....
Discovering the Hidden Renaissance Masterpiece at Convento della Calza, Florence
Florence, Italy, a city steeped in history and art, is home to countless masterpieces. Among these treasures lies an almost unknown (relatively speaking, at least) Renaissance painting: a beautiful cenacolo, or a painting of The Last Supper, housed in the simple church and attached convent of Convento della Calza, dating to the 13th century.
The Last Supper by Franciabigio
This almost unknown masterpiece is the work of Franciabigio, an Italian painter of the Florentine Renaissance whose true name may have been Francesco di Cristofano. The painting, created in 1514, covers an entire wall in the refectory of Convento della Calza. It showcases Franciabigio's keen eye for studies of perspective and human anatomy, as evidenced by the accurate positioning of the wooden shutters along the wall and the lifelike depiction of the apostles.
The Restoration
For the Jubilee in 2000, the wall painting underwent a complete restoration, bringing it back to its original splendor. The contrast between the dark green wall and the light of the crystal-clear sky in the background creates a fascinating effect. In the background, Franciabigio depicted the old Florentine town walls (the destroyed gate of San Pier Gattolino), providing a glimpse into the city's rich history.
The History of Convento della Calza
Originally a hospital run by the Dames of Malta, members of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem and of Malta, the convent was commissioned to paint the Last Supper fresco in 1514. However, the Dames had to leave the hospital during the 1529 siege of Florence, leaving the masterpiece behind.
Visiting Convento della Calza
Today, Convento della Calza is a charming hospitality center that offers medieval charm and modern facilities to host congresses and prestigious events. Located just inside the ancient gate of Porta Romano, it provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of this magical garden in the city center of Florence while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the convent.
ArtsDot: Bringing Art to Your Home
For those who cannot visit Convento della Calza in person, ArtsDot offers high-quality handmade oil paintings reproductions and print on canvas of famous artwork, including Franciabigio's Last Supper. These works appear so authentic that they could be mistaken for the original masterpieces, allowing art lovers to enjoy these treasures from the comfort of their own homes.
Discover more about ArtsDot's reproduction process: ArtsDot Painting ProcessExplore more of ArtsDot's famous paintings: 50 Most Famous Paintings- Convento della Calza (Florence, Italy)
- Franciabigio: The Last Supper