Leonardo da Vinci Frescoes of the Sala delle Asse, the Axis Hall in the Castello Sforzesco in Milan in Italy

Leonardo da Vinci Axis Hall's Frescoes A document of 21 April 1498 mentions that Leonardo da Vinci offered to fresco paint this room of the Sforza Castle for the benefit of the Duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro.

Leonardo da Vinci also offered the Duke his services as a military engineer by telling him what he was capable of implementing both offensively and defensively and even strategically by digging a network of underground roads.

Leonardo da Vinci also proposed to create an equestrian bronze sculpture of the Duke for his “immortal glory” while adding projects to modify the castle's appearance to transform it into a luxury residence, with the idea of erecting a new fifty-meter high tower.

Leonardo da Vinci Axis Hall's Frescoes Several drawings and sketches relating to Leonardo da Vinci's proposals have been recovered.

Still, nothing was ever done except for the fresco painting of certain castle rooms, including the Axis Hall.

The purpose of Leonardo da Vinci's fresco was to create the illusion of a large pergola with tree trunks whose branches were decorated with golden ropes that intertwined in symmetrical and complex patterns, meeting in the centre of the arch under a blue sky.

At the top and in the centre of the arch is the coat of arms of Ludovic and Beatrice Sforza.

Leonardo da Vinci Axis Hall's Frescoes Unfortunately, the fresco by Leonardo da Vinci was covered with paint and even plaster and was not restored until 1902.

Other restoration works were carried out in 1956; finally, a quality restoration begun in 2013 enabled the recovery of several chromatic elements from Leonardo da Vinci's work.

While waiting for the restoration of the fresco, which has been largely erased, wall projections give us an idea of the original fresco and allow us to admire the room as it was in the time of Leonardo da Vinci.

The wall projections (pictured here) restore the prestige effect of this astonishing fresco on high-ranking visitors who entered this reception room to be welcomed by the Duke of Milan.

Leonardo da Vinci Axis Hall's Frescoes