Episode 244 - Paolo Veronese’s “Feast in the House of Levi” (Accademia Gallery, Venice)

In 1573, Paolo Veronese was commissioned by the Dominicans at the church of Saints Giovanni and Paolo in Venice to paint a “Last Supper” to replace an earlier version by Titian that had been destroyed by fire. The result was a massive image full of numerous figures engaged in a hedonistic celebration. Not surprisingly, a few months after completing the painting, the artist was called before the Holy Tribunal of Venice to answer to accusations of indecorous religious painting. Veronese was able to satisfy his inquisitors and save his painting by changing its subject to the “Feast in the House Levi.”