Cenacolo di Sant’Apollnia

The Cenacolo di Sant’Apollnia was once part of one of the largest convents in Florence.  Many of the wings have since been adapted and used for residential and educational purposes, but these two rooms remain as a museum for the works of Andrea del Castagno with the Last Supper being the focal point of the larger room.  The refectory is what holds this grand painting that stretches across the entire right wall.  Above it is a mural including the Resurrection, the Crucifixion, and the Deposition in the Tomb.  It’s a large scale reminder for the monks and nuns that would congregate in this space over meals and reflection.  I imagine the atmosphere in this room years ago when it was in use.  With the walls lined with windows letting in the natural light, and the men and women meeting together discussing their faith.  Though the works now are not as vibrant as they once were, nor is the room set as it was intended the space hold the history.  I wonder if each of the many convents in Florence have rooms this magnificent; the number of talented artists there are in the world is also something that amazes me.  Through discussion in class I have had many different thoughts about the practice of convents and have been able to understand that they are not exactly as I thought.  This space is a reminder of the history and the current practice of this element of Christianity and it is interesting to see the changes through the generations.