Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Cenacolo Vinciano, one of the greatest masterpieces of Italian art genius Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, located in the Church at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan of Italy Friday afternoon local time.

The premier went around different parts of the establishment while Art and Museum Assistant Valentena Terrari briefed her about its tradition, history and significance.

Prime Minister’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Daughter of Sheikh Rehana, Azmina Siddiqui Rupanti and Artist Shahabuddin were, among others, present in the visit.

Leonardo da Vinci produced the famous painting during 1494-1498 and was drawn on the wall of a dining room of the Church directly and has never been brought outside.

The painting is considered as Milan’s world-class treasure while Santa Maria delle Grazie Church itself is known as a building of the Renaissance period.

The Last Supper was commissioned from Leonardo by Ludovico Sforza, who was then Duke of Milan, as part of a plan to refurbish the monastery and church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Thus the monastery buildings, including the church and Refectory, were to become a work of sacred art, while also fulfilling the Duke’s ambitions to heighten the prestige of his city with fine art and architecture, in the style of that period.

With the Last Supper, Leonardo created a remarkable example of perspective, a technique that had been developed in Florence, in northern Italy opening up the end wall of the Refectory, creating an illusion of a spacious room with a coffered ceiling.

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** PM urges strong partnership of Asia & Europe

BDST: 2215 HRS, OCT 17, 2014