Sala delle Asse after the intervention of the restorer Ernesto Rusca (1893-1902): A Vision of Renaissance Grandeur

The Sala delle Asse, or Room of Wooden Boards, stands as a poignant testament to Leonardo da Vinci’s ambition and the turbulent era of Ludovico il Moro’s Milanese court. Commissioned in 1498 by Duke Ludovico Maria Sforza—a visionary ruler determined to elevate his city's prestige—the room was intended to be adorned with a monumental pergola of mulberry trees, conceived as an audacious symbol of Lombardy’s silk industry and Leonardo’s personal fascination with botany. This ambitious project exemplifies Da Vinci’s unparalleled ability to fuse artistic vision with scientific observation, resulting in a masterpiece that continues to captivate scholars and artists alike.

• Historical Context: Milan under Ludovico il Moro represented the zenith of Renaissance culture—a hub for humanist thought, artistic innovation, and political patronage. Leonardo’s involvement underscored the Duke's commitment to fostering excellence in all fields, reflecting a broader desire to emulate classical ideals of beauty and grandeur. The looming threat of Charles VIII’s invasion further fueled urgency within Sforza’s court, prompting Da Vinci to abandon his work amidst the chaos of war.
• Leonardo’s Design: Da Vinci envisioned a breathtaking spectacle—a sprawling pergola dominated by towering mulberry trees reaching upwards towards the vaulted ceiling. Intricate knotted cords interwoven amongst branches would create an illusionistic depth, mimicking the natural world and emphasizing the room's scale. Cartouches bearing inscriptions commemorated key events in Ludovico’s reign: Bianca Maria Sforza’s marriage to Maximilian I, Ludovico’s coronation, and his perilous journey seeking imperial aid—each element meticulously crafted to convey a narrative of power and ambition.
• The Monochrome Drawing: The preparatory drawing known as “Il Monocromo” offers invaluable insight into Da Vinci's creative process. This monumental composition depicts the roots of mulberry trees aggressively disrupting rocky outcrops, symbolizing resilience and overcoming obstacles—a motif that resonates throughout Da Vinci’s oeuvre. It served as a foundational element for the mural decoration, establishing a dramatic interplay between organic form and geometric precision.
• Symbolism: The choice of the mulberry tree was deliberately symbolic, referencing Ludovico il Moro's nickname “il Moro,” signifying his authority and connection to the natural world. Furthermore, it underscored Lombardy’s economic prosperity derived from silk production—a deliberate gesture aimed at bolstering morale during a time of political instability. Da Vinci skillfully employed illusionistic techniques to elevate the room beyond mere decoration, transforming it into a powerful visual statement.
• Technique: Leonardo utilized tempera paint on wood panels, a technique favored by Florentine artists of his era. This medium allowed for vibrant colors and meticulous detail—characteristics that are evident in the Sala delle Asse’s intricate rendering of foliage and textures. The artist's mastery of perspective and chiaroscuro contributes to the room’s dramatic atmosphere, capturing both the grandeur of the architectural space and the dynamism of the natural world.

Today, a high-quality reproduction captures the essence of this extraordinary artwork—allowing viewers to appreciate Da Vinci's genius and immerse themselves in the splendor of Renaissance Milan. It serves as a reminder that art transcends time, conveying enduring themes of ambition, resilience, and the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.