Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, painted between 1495-1498, stands as one of the most influential works of the Italian Renaissance. Created on the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this monumental mural captures the dramatic moment when Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him. The composition's mathematical precision and innovative perspective techniques demonstrate da Vinci's unparalleled ability to combine art with scientific principles.
What makes this piece particularly remarkable is da Vinci's experimental painting technique. Rather than using traditional fresco methods, he opted for tempera and oil on dried plaster, allowing for greater detail and luminosity. However, this decision led to the painting's ongoing deterioration shortly after completion. The work's delicate state has sparked centuries of restoration efforts, each revealing new details about da Vinci's original vision.
The painting's psychological depth is extraordinary, with each disciple displaying distinct emotional reactions to Christ's revelation. Da Vinci grouped the disciples in threes, creating a dynamic composition that draws the eye towards Jesus at the centre. The artist spent months observing people in Milan's streets to capture authentic human expressions, making detailed sketches before beginning the final work. Notably, he left Judas's face unfinished for months, searching for the perfect model to depict the betrayer. The artist also incorporated symbolic elements throughout, such as the number 3 (representing the Holy Trinity) appearing repeatedly in the composition's structure.
