J.M.W. Turner: Sketchbooks, Drawings and Watercolours

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a fifteenth-century church in Milan. The main basilica was built by Guiniforte Solari (c.1429–c.1481) but the later imposing sixteen-sided drum and dome was designed by Donato Bramante (1444–1514). The church is most famous for being the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated fifteenth-century mural The Last Supper, which is situated in the refectory of the adjoining Dominican monastery. James Hakewill had recommended the masterpiece in his list of advice to Turner in the Route to Rome sketchbook (Tate D13869; Turner Bequest CLXXI 6), and the artist has also mentioned the masterpiece in his notes from Revd John Chetwode Eustace’s A Classical Tour Through Italy, jotted down in the Italian Guide Book sketchbook (Tate D13961; Turner Bequest CLXXII 16).

This study of Santa Maria delle Grazie was drawn from the corner of the piazza in front of the cathedral where it joins Corso Magenta. Turner has depicted the western façade and the southern side of the basilica, with Bramante’s drum and dome rising beyond.

For further sketches relating to Milan see the introduction to the sketchbook.

Verso:

Blank, except for grey watercolour wash.