Caravaggio’s "Supper at Emmaus," valued at 83 million US dollars, has been loaned to a small gallery in Hong Kong for its Asia debut..[Photo/CNTV]

"There's the idea of managing to get close to traditions, populations - that Europe and Italy haven't had much cultural contact with. Also it's an exchange, a cultural exchange, anticipating an important moment - that will be a special time for Milan when the city will have the expo, that's to say when cultures that are very different to Italian and European cultures in particular will arrive in Milan".

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"So we can say that this transfer of the Caravaggio is in some way a prelude to what will happen in Milan next year." Sandrina Bandera said.

"Supper at Emmaus" shows a moment from the Christian gospels, when Jesus Christ is said to have revealed himself after his resurrection.

The subject matter stems from European tradition, but critics value its treatment and style as ground-breaking in overall artistic development towards a realistic depiction of light and shadow.

"The people of Hong Kong are still intimidated by art, art or culture with a capital A and a capital C, and I myself come from a working class family. But I just find that art opens the door to humanity. So I feel with this painting, if people come to see it, they will have a deeper appreciation of life, what is beautiful, and it sounds really, kind of grandiose and all of that, but I do think art does that, art and culture, whether it's good music, good painting, it opens up your spirit, to possibilities." Alice Mong said.

Around 4,000 people are expected to view "Supper at Emmaus," which will be on display at the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre from 12 March to 13 April. And best of all- entrance is free.