Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia: A different Last Supper

Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia: A different Last Supper

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Thu 01 Jan 1970 12:00 AM

The Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia is an unparalleled urban retreat if you’re looking for a quiet place in which to reflect while being surrounded by soothing beauty.

 

Tucked away down a side street off piazza San Marco, the refectory is part of the former Benedictine convent of Sant’Apollonia, which was founded in 1339 and was once the largest nunnery in Florence.

 

 

Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia. Ph. Andrea Paoletti (www.andreapaoletti.com)

 

 

Andrea del Castagno frescoed The Last Supper on the lower section of the wall in 1447 and the ornate scene must have served as an instructional image for the cloistered sisters. Every detail has volumes to say, from the careful attention to nature, a feeling of space and light, and lifelike figures—the work acted as a reminder of the significance of the Eucharistic meal in the convent setting.

 

 

Although the Last Supper is described in all four Gospels, Castagno’s fresco seems closely aligned with the Gospel of John, in which 11 of the apostles are confused and the devil “enters” Judas when Jesus announces one of his followers will betray him. Saint John’s posture of innocent slumber contrasts with Judas’s tense, upright pose and overly pointed facial features. With the exceptions of Judas, Christ and his apostles, all have a translucent halo above their heads.

 

 

Detail of Andrea del Castagno’s Last Supper, Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia. Ph. Andrea Paoletti (www.andreapaoletti.com)

 

The fresco marks Castagno’s departure from earlier artistic styles. The hand positions of the final pair of apostles at either end mirror one another with skilful realism. The colors of the robes and their postures contribute to the balance. The detailed marble walls are a throwback to Roman “First Style” wall paintings, and the pillars and griffon statues are reminiscent of classical sculpture and trompe l’oeil painting. The work follows a strict perspective, which is accentuated by the geometric effect of the floor and ceiling.

 

Andrea del Castagno’s fresco is in a superb state of conservation, partly because it remained behind a plaster wall for over a century. The contemporary fresco by Castagno depicting the Crucifixion on the upper, unprotected levels displays more wear; it is flanked by the Resurrection and Burial of Christ.

 

 

Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia. Ph. Andrea Paoletti (www.andreapaoletti.com)

 

 

In 1953, the detachment of the upper section for the purposes of conversation revealed the preparatory drawings, which can still be seen on the wall opposite the fresco. Other mid-fifteenth century works by Andrea del Castagno are displayed in the refectory: a frescoed lunette showing Christ in reverence among the angels; a crucifixion and drawing of the vision of San Girolamo with Saints Paola and Eustachio.

 

 

 

Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia
Via XXVII Aprile 1, Florence
Tel. 055 290656

Free admission

Daily from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Closed 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturday and Sunday of the month.

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