Sky Arte film explores theory of Leonardo's Last Supper copy

A Sky Arte documentary titled 'Alla ricerca dell'Ultima Cena' airs on April 1, 2018, as part of the 'Notte Leonardo' programming. The film is based on the 2017 book 'Young Leonardo' by Jean-Pierre Isbouts and Christopher H. Brown, which argues that a painted copy of Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' was commissioned by King Louis XII of France shortly after the original fresco was completed in 1499. According to the book, Louis XII wanted to remove the fresco from the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan and transport it to France as war booty, but experts dissuaded him. Instead, he allegedly commissioned a copy on canvas from Leonardo and his workshop. The documentary visualizes this hypothesis, taking viewers on a journey from Milan to Florence, Paris, Château de Gaillon (residence of Georges d'Amboise), and a remote Belgian convent where the mysterious copy is believed to be located. The evening concludes with an episode of the series 'Sette Meraviglie' dedicated to Leonardo's 'Cenacolo' in Milan. The fresco recently underwent conservation work, including a special lighting system to enhance the visitor experience. Sky Arte's website is powered by Artribune, which manages its content and digital interface.