The exhibition shown in La Venaria Reale (Turin) focuses on two remarkable works from the Vatican Museums: the Leonardesque Last Supper tapestry (to whose making Leonardo might have personally contributed during his French years) and the baldachin of Clement VII, designed by Raphael’s most important disciples and collaborators.
From the 1500s, and for four centuries, the two tapestries played a key role in some of the major sacred ceremonies that took place at the Papal Court on the occasion of Easter, in particular the Coena Domini Holy Mass and Foot washing, celebrations embraced by all the Catholic courts, including the Court of Savoy. An intriguing story set in the Vatican palace, in St. Peter’s Basilica and at the European courts, which still lives on today.
The display was set up with the important participation of the Vatican Museums. It also avails itself of the precious support of the Quirinale Palace [Palazzo del Quirinale], of the Royal Museums of Turin [Musei Reali di Torino] and of the Museum of Rome [Museo di Roma].
It also integrates into the theme branch dedicated to the European Courts, which has always been one of the cultural pursuits for the Reggia and its Research Centre.
Curated by Alessandra Rodolfo and Andrea Merlotti.
For information: tel. +39 011 4992333
