Elena Rossi
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the most famous artworks in the world. The painting depicts the last meal shared by Jesus and his disciples before his crucifixion. It is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting is renowned for its use of perspective, complex human emotions, and its interpretation of a biblical event. The work has been praised by artists and writers and has inspired countless reproductions and interpretations. Leonardo's unique approach to the subject matter and his experimental techniques have contributed to its status as a masterpiece.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Year | c. 1495–1498 |
| Medium | Tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic |
| Location | Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy |
| Subject | The Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles |
| Composition | Jesus in the center, surrounded by the 12 apostles divided into three groups |
| Style | High Renaissance |
| Symbolism | Possible references to the number three (e.g., apostles seated in groups of three, three windows behind Jesus) |
| Technique | Linear perspective with a vanishing point at Jesus' right temple |
| Dimensions | 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide |
| Restoration | Restored in 1999 using scientific methods to restore original colors and eliminate damage |
| Influence | Inspired countless reproductions, interpretations, conspiracy theories, and works of fiction |
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What You'll Learn
The painting's subject matter and its biblical context
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is a mural painting dated c. 1495–1498. It is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, as told in the Gospel of John.
The painting depicts the moment after Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him. Each of the twelve apostles reacts differently to this news, expressing various degrees of horror, anger, and shock. Jesus, seated in the centre of the table, maintains a calm and dignified stance, despite the chaos around him. The viewer's gaze ultimately returns to rest on the figure of Jesus, who is the major character.
The painting is a visual interpretation of an event chronicled in all four Gospels (books in the Christian New Testament). The evening before Christ was betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas, he gathered them together for a meal. During the meal, Jesus revealed that he knew what was coming and washed their feet, a gesture symbolizing that all were equal under God. He also gave explicit instructions on how to eat and drink in the future, in remembrance of him. This was the first celebration of the Eucharist, a ritual still performed today.
Leonardo da Vinci's composition of the painting separates the apostles into three groups, which may symbolize the Holy Trinity. The painting also incorporates several other possible numerical references to the number three. The apostles are seated in groups of three, there are three windows behind Jesus, and the shape of Jesus' figure resembles a triangle.
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Leonardo da Vinci's artistic choices
Medium and Technique:
Da Vinci chose to work with tempera on dry plaster, also known as "al secco," instead of the traditional fresco technique of painting on wet plaster. This decision allowed him to work slowly and make changes, as tempera dries more slowly than fresco. He also added an undercoat of white lead to enhance the brightness of the tempera. This experimental approach, however, contributed to the eventual deterioration of the painting, as the paint did not adhere properly and began to flake away over time.
Perspective and Composition:
Da Vinci's use of linear perspective is a notable aspect of the painting. He employed parallel lines that converge at a single vanishing point—Jesus' right temple—to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface. This technique draws the viewer's attention to Jesus as the central subject. The composition of the painting, with its sharp angling of the walls and the distant back wall with windows, adds to the sense of perspective and serenity surrounding Christ.
Human Emotion and Expression:
Da Vinci believed that "posture, gesture, and expression should manifest the 'notions of the mind.'" In The Last Supper, each of the twelve disciples reacts differently to Jesus' announcement of betrayal, displaying a range of emotions such as horror, anger, and shock. This complex study of human emotion is rendered in a deceptively simple composition, showcasing Da Vinci's understanding of psychology through expression, gesture, and posture.
Symbolism and Details:
The painting contains several symbolic elements and hidden details that have sparked speculation. For example, the spilled salt container near Judas' elbow has been the subject of interpretation. The absence of halos on Jesus and the treatment of the characters as common people may reflect Da Vinci's beliefs about nature and his interpretation of divinity. The Apostles are seated in groups of three, and the shape of Jesus' figure resembles a triangle, possibly alluding to the Holy Trinity.
Size and Proportions:
The Last Supper is a large-scale painting, measuring 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide. The proportions of the table and the room have been noted as visually paradoxical by scholars. The table appears too large for the room, yet not large enough to seat the thirteen men comfortably. This composition creates a sense of dynamic tension within the scene.
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The painting's deterioration and restoration
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most renowned and studied paintings in art history, and its preservation has been a matter of great concern and interest. Over the centuries, the painting has suffered significant deterioration, mainly due to a combination of environmental factors and the materials and methods used by da Vinci.
Da Vinci painted The Last Supper on a wall in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan, using tempera paint, which is a mixture of pigment and egg yolk, on a dry plaster base. This technique, known as "fresco secco," was common at the time but prone to deterioration. The wall on which da Vinci painted was already in a deteriorating state when he began, and the plaster was not of the best quality, affecting the adhesion of the paint.
The painting began to show signs of deterioration within just a few decades of its completion. One of the main issues was the flaking and detachment of the paint from the wall. This was caused by a combination of the plaster's poor quality and the moisture and humidity fluctuations in the refectory. Additionally, da Vinci's unique technique of applying multiple thin layers of paint further contributed to the deterioration, as the layers were more susceptible to detachment.
Over the centuries, there were several attempts at restoration, but many of these early efforts caused further damage. One of the most significant early restorations was carried out by Michelangelo Bellotti in the late 16th century, who repainted large sections of the work. However, his work was not faithful to the original, and he made significant changes to the composition and details. Other restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries also altered the painting, and by the early 20th century, it was estimated that only about 20% of the original paint remained.
The most significant and extensive restoration began in 1978 and lasted until 1999. This meticulous process involved the removal of earlier retouching and the consolidation of the paint and plaster. The restorers focused on removing overpainting and revealing more of da Vinci's original work. They also worked to improve the wall's structural stability to prevent future deterioration. While this restoration was generally well-received, it also sparked some controversy, with some critics arguing that the restorers may have gone too far, affecting the painting's overall aesthetic.
Despite the challenges of preserving The Last Supper, the painting remains a testament to da Vinci's genius, and the restoration efforts have ensured that this masterpiece can be appreciated by future generations. The painting is now carefully monitored, and conservation efforts continue to ensure its long-term survival.
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The painting's impact and legacy
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most iconic and influential paintings in the history of art. Its impact and legacy are profound and far-reaching, and it continues to captivate and inspire audiences centuries after its creation.
One of the most significant aspects of The Last Supper's legacy is its influence on religious art and iconography. The painting has had an immense impact on how the scene of the Last Supper is depicted in art. Da Vinci's innovative composition, with the apostles arranged in groups of three and the dramatic use of perspective, set a new standard for the representation of this biblical event. The emotional intensity and naturalistic rendering of the figures also had a profound influence on subsequent artists, leading to a greater focus on human expression and psychological realism in religious art.
The painting has also been the subject of countless interpretations and analyses, sparking debates and discussions about its symbolic content, religious significance, and artistic techniques. Art historians and scholars have studied every detail of the painting, from the gestures and expressions of the apostles to the architectural setting and the use of light and shadow. This has led to a deeper understanding not only of da Vinci's artistic genius but also of the cultural and religious context in which the painting was created.
Beyond its artistic and religious impact, The Last Supper has also left a mark on popular culture and the public imagination. It has been referenced and reproduced in countless forms, from literary works and films to advertising and merchandise. The painting's iconic status has made it instantly recognizable, and its dramatic composition and emotional intensity continue to capture the public's fascination.
The Last Supper has also had a significant impact on the field of art restoration and conservation. The painting's delicate condition, with its flaking paint and damaged plaster, has presented a complex challenge for conservators. The efforts to restore and preserve the painting have spanned centuries and have involved the development of new techniques and technologies. The restoration process has also sparked debates and controversies, with experts debating the best approaches to conserving da Vinci's masterpiece while respecting its historical integrity.
Finally, The Last Supper stands as a testament to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and his enduring influence on art and culture. It exemplifies his mastery of composition, perspective, and human anatomy, as well as his innovative use of sfumato, the subtle blending of tones to create a soft, mysterious effect. The painting's impact on da Vinci's own legacy is significant, securing his reputation as one of the greatest artists of all time and inspiring generations of artists to emulate and interpret his work.
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The painting's location and ownership
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is located in Milan, Italy. More specifically, it is housed in the refectory of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The painting covers an entire wall of the dining hall at the monastery. The church and monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The painting was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, to decorate the wall of the mausoleum of the Sforza family. Leonardo worked on the painting from around 1495 to 1498, although the exact dates are not certain as the archives of the convent for that period have been destroyed.
The Last Supper is not included in the YesMilano City Pass due to strict entry quotas and special requirements for advanced reservations. Tickets to see the painting can be booked online but must be sold as part of a package, often combined with a Milan Audioguide or entries to other galleries in the city. Reservations are considered mandatory due to the limited availability of tickets.
The painting has undergone numerous restoration attempts over the years, with the most recent one completed in 1999. Several scientific methods were used in this restoration to restore the original colours and eliminate traces of paint applied in previous attempts. Measures have been implemented to protect the painting from further deterioration, including restricting visitor entry to a group of 25 people every 15 minutes to ensure the fresco is maintained at room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
The Last Supper painting depicts the last meal Jesus shared with his 12 apostles before his crucifixion. During the meal, Jesus reveals that one of his apostles will betray him, and institutes the Eucharist, a ritual still performed today.
The Last Supper was painted by Italian High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, likely between 1495 and 1498.
The Last Supper is considered a masterpiece due to its innovative approach and its complex display of human emotion. It is also famous for its use of perspective and its influence on the development of art.
The Last Supper is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. Visitors can view the painting in small groups for 15 minutes at a time to prevent deterioration.
