The Last Supper, a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, is more than just a mural; it is a historical artifact that has endured centuries of turmoil and restoration. This iconic painting, located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, captures the poignant moment when Jesus announces that one of his twelve disciples will betray him.
Leonardo da Vinci began working on The Last Supper in 1495 and completed it in 1498. Unlike traditional fresco techniques, which involve painting on wet plaster, Leonardo opted for a different approach. He sealed the stone wall with a layer of pitch, gesso, and mastic before applying tempera. This method, while innovative, led to the painting's early deterioration. By 1517, just 19 years after its completion, the mural began to flake.
By 1556, the figures in the painting had already become unrecognizable. In 1652, a doorway was cut through the mural, removing the feet of Jesus and three disciples. The painting suffered further during Napoleon's occupation of Milan in 1796 when the refectory was used as an armory and later as a prison. During World War II, the refectory was struck by a bomb, but the painting was protected by sandbags placed by the military and local residents.
By the late 1970s, The Last Supper was in dire need of restoration. From 1978 to 1999, Pinin Brambilla Barcilon led a major restoration project to stabilize the painting and reverse the damage. This extensive effort involved meticulous cleaning, consolidation of the paint layer, and careful retouching.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1495-1498 | Leonardo da Vinci paints The Last Supper |
| 1517 | Painting begins to flake |
| 1556 | Figures become unrecognizable |
| 1652 | Doorway cut through the painting |
| 1796 | Napoleon's troops use refectory as armory and prison |
| 1943 | Bombing during WWII; painting protected by sandbags |
| 1978-1999 | Major restoration project led by Pinin Brambilla Barcilon |
| 1999 | Painting returned to display |
Since its restoration, The Last Supper has been on display, but viewing is highly regulated. Visitors must book in advance and are allowed only 15 minutes to view the painting. This measure helps preserve the delicate artwork for future generations.
The Last Supper is not just a painting; it is a testament to Leonardo da Vinci's genius and the resilience of art through centuries of adversity. Its history of damage and restoration adds layers of depth to its already profound narrative, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
For more information on the history and significance of The Last Supper, you can visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Louvre.
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