The Chosen Ones

In the vibrant heart of Renaissance Italy, in the late 15th century, a unique and pivotal moment in art history unfolded. Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, found himself captivated by the genius of the era, a man who would later be celebrated as one of the greatest artists of all time. He was a genius who walked among men. His name was Leonardo da Vinci, a polymath whose talents knew no bounds. He was a painter, a scientist, an inventor, and an observer of the human condition. Yet, it was in his masterpiece, "The Last Supper," that Leonardo's unique vision transcended the canvas, revealing the essence of the chosen ones.
But behind the creation of Leonardo's masterpiece, "The Last Supper," lies a story that has often been overshadowed by the brilliance of the artwork itself. It is a tale of "The Chosen Ones," individuals whose lives would forever be intertwined with the strokes of a genius's brush.
"The Chosen Ones" invites you on a journey through time and artistry, delving into the world of da Vinci and the enigmatic disciples who surrounded Jesus at that fateful meal. Beyond the strokes of the brush and the pigments on the wall, we explore the depths of human emotion, faith, and destiny as portrayed in the faces and postures of those gathered around the table.
In this book, we uncover the secrets behind da Vinci's selection of models for "The Last Supper," from the contemplative visage of Thomas to the serene expression of John the Evangelist. We unravel the mysteries of a painting that encapsulates both the sacred and the earthly, where the Divine meets the human in a timeless representation of faith and betrayal.
Leonardo's quest for authenticity in portraying the apostles was meticulous. He roamed the streets of Milan, observing individuals from all walks of life, seeking the perfect faces and postures that would breathe life into his composition. He understood that to capture the essence of the chosen ones, he needed models who could convey the complex range of emotions that must have filled that sacred chamber.
"The Chosen Ones" is a journey not only into the minds and souls of these apostles but also into the heart of the artist himself. We delve into the life of Leonardo da Vinci, a man of boundless curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge. His notebooks, filled with sketches, diagrams, and scientific observations, reveal a mind constantly in motion, questioning the world around him and seeking to uncover the mysteries of existence.
The genesis of the chosen ones lies in the hallowed halls of a convent in Milan, Italy. There, in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, to create a mural that would capture the essence of the Christian faith. What emerged from his brilliant mind and nimble hands was a work of art that transcended its religious subject matter to become an enduring symbol of artistic genius and spiritual contemplation.
The year was 1482 when Ludovico Sforza, a renowned patron of the arts, decided to summon Leonardo da Vinci to the opulent court of Milan. Ludovico was not just a ruler; he was a connoisseur of art and culture, known for his lavish court and patronage of artists, scientists, and scholars. He had heard whispers of the extraordinary talents possessed by a certain Leonardo da Vinci and was eager to meet this enigmatic genius for himself.