Finally, in 1498, the scaffolding was removed from the painting and Leonardo’s masterpiece was revealed. The twelve apostles grouped at the table are shown each responding in his own way to the words of Christ, “One of you shall betray me.” Again hundreds flocked to see this latest marvel of Leonardo’s. Its striking influence was felt by generations of painters. Even now, more than four hundred and fifty years later, the world still comes to stand before the genius of Leonardo da Vinci in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The clouds of war were gathering again over Italy. In April of 1498, Charles VIII of France died and his successor was Louis of Orleans, who became Louis XII. The new King of France laid claim to the Dukedom of Milan, and Ludovico again tried to form an alliance against him. But the years of juggling enemy against enemy and friend against friend were now coming to an end. No one trusted Il Moro any more, and suddenly he realized that he was to be alone in this new fight. After nearly twenty years of power sustained by powerful alliances, Ludovico was forced to turn to his own people of Lombardy. Frantically he tried to correct the injustices of years. The people had been cruelly taxed to support the extravagances of the Sforza court, and, in addition, they had been badly treated by petty government officials. Ludovico now sought to repay the past miseries of his people and to rally them to his support. In such a spirit he remembered his court painter, Leonardo da Vinci, and gave him a vineyard and considerable piece of land not far from the Porta Vercellina. Now, for the first time in his life, Leonardo knew financial security. With the income from the vineyard, and in the peace of his estate, he was left free to follow his own researches. He took no notice that his “peace” was surrounded by the threat of war. Indeed, he remained aloof from politics and court intrigues as much as was possible for a man living in the midst of such chaotic times.