last supper. For many historians and art critics, Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" is greatest work world art. In The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown focuses readers' attention on some of the symbolic elements of this painting in the moments when Sophie Neveu, while in Lee Teabing's house, learns that Leonardo may have encrypted some great secret in his masterpiece. “The Last Supper” is a fresco painted on the wall of the refectory of the monastery of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan. Even in the era of Leonardo himself, it was considered his best and most famous work. The fresco was created between 1495 and 1497, but already during the first twenty years of its existence, as is clear from the written evidence of those years, it began to deteriorate. It measures approximately 15 by 29 feet.
The fresco was painted with a thick layer of egg tempera on dry plaster. Beneath the main layer of paint is a rough compositional sketch, a study in red, in a manner anticipating the usual use of cardboard. This is a kind of preparation tool. It is known that the customer of the painting was the Duke of Milan Lodovico Sforza, at whose court Leonardo gained fame as a great painter, and not the monks of the monastery of Santa Maria della Grazie. The theme of the picture is the moment when Jesus Christ announces to his disciples that one of them will betray him. Pacioli writes about this in the third chapter of his book “The Divine Proportion”. It was this moment - when Christ announces betrayal - that Leonardo da Vinci captured. To achieve accuracy and lifelikeness, he studied the poses and facial expressions of many of his contemporaries, whom he later depicted in the painting. The identities of the apostles have repeatedly been the subject of controversy, however, judging by the inscriptions on a copy of the painting kept in Lugano, these are (from left to right): Bartholomew, James the Younger, Andrew, Judas, Peter, John, Thomas, James the Elder, Philip, Matthew, Thaddeus and Simon Zelotes. Many art historians believe that this composition should be perceived as an iconographic interpretation of the Eucharist - communion, since Jesus Christ points with both hands to the table with wine and bread. Almost all scholars of Leonardo's work agree that the ideal place to view the painting is from a height of approximately 13-15 feet above the floor and at a distance of 26-33 feet from it. There is an opinion - now disputed - that composition and its system of perspective are based on the musical canon of proportion. What gives The Last Supper its unique character is that, unlike other paintings of its kind, it shows the amazing variety and richness of the characters’ emotions caused by Jesus’ words that one of his disciples would betray him. No other painting based on the Last Supper can even come close to unique composition and elaboration of details in Leonardo's masterpiece. So what secrets could he encrypt in his creation? great artist? In The Discovery of the Templars, Clive Prince and Lynn Picknett argue that several elements of the structure of the Last Supper indicate symbols encrypted in it. Firstly, they believe that the figure is right hand from Jesus (for the viewer she is on the left) - not John, but a certain woman.
She is wearing a robe, the color of which contrasts with the clothes of Christ, and she is tilted in the opposite direction from Jesus, who is sitting in the center. The space between this female figure and Jesus is shaped like a V, and the figures themselves form an M.
Secondly, in the picture, in their opinion, next to Peter a certain hand is visible, clutching a knife. Prince and Picknett claim that this hand does not belong to any of the characters in the film.
Thirdly, sitting directly to the left of Jesus (to the right for the audience), Thomas, addressing Christ, raised his finger.
And finally, there is a hypothesis that the Apostle Thaddeus sitting with his back to Christ is actually a self-portrait of Leonardo himself.
Let's look at each point in order. Upon closer examination of the painting, it turns out that the character to the right of Jesus (to the viewer - to the left) actually has feminine or feminine features. Prince and Picknett assure readers that under the folds of clothing one can even see female breast. Of course, Leonardo sometimes liked to give feminine features to male figures and faces. For example, a careful examination of the image of John the Baptist shows that he is endowed with almost the features of a hermaphrodite with pale, hairless skin.
But what does it matter if in the painting “The Last Supper” Jesus and John (the woman) leaned in opposite directions, forming a space between them in the form of the letter V, and the contours of their bodies forming the letter M? Does this have some symbolic meaning? Prince and Picknett argue that this unusual arrangement of figures, one of which has distinctly feminine features, contains a hint that this is not John, but Mary Magdalene, and the V sign is a symbol of the sacred feminine principle. The letter M, according to their hypothesis, means the name - Mary/Magdalene. You can agree or disagree with this assumption, but no one will deny its originality and courage. Let's focus on the bodyless hand. Whose hand is visible on the left, next to the figure of Peter? Why is she clutching a dagger or knife so menacingly? Another oddity is that Peter’s left hand seems to be cutting the throat of the neighboring figure with the edge of his palm.
What did Leonardo mean by this? What does Peter's strange gesture mean? However, upon closer examination, it is clear that the hand with the knife still belongs to Peter, and does not exist on its own. Peter turned it out left hand, and therefore her position is clearly unusual and extremely awkward. As for the second hand, threateningly raised to John/Mary’s throat, there is an explanation for this: Peter simply puts his hand on his/her shoulder. Most likely, disputes on this matter will continue for a very long time. As for Thomas, sitting to the left of Jesus (to the right - for the viewer), he really raised up forefinger left hand in a clearly threatening manner. This gesture of John the Baptist, as Prince and Picknett call it, is present in many paintings by Leonardo, as well as other painters of the era. It supposedly symbolizes the underground stream of knowledge and wisdom. The fact is that John the Baptist actually played a much more important role than the one assigned to him in Scripture. For those who wish to learn more about this, I recommend reading the book "The Discovery of the Templars." The Apostle Thaddeus depicted in the painting seems to bear some resemblance to Leonardo, if we compare his image with the famous self-portrait of the great artist. In many of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings of Jesus or the Holy Family, the same detail is noticeable: at least one of the figures is turned with his back to the main character painting. For example, in the painting “Adoration of the Magi.” The recently completed restoration of The Last Supper has made it possible to learn a lot about this amazing picture. In it, and in many other paintings by Leonardo, some secret messages and forgotten symbols are actually hidden. However, their true meaning still remains not entirely clear to us, which gives rise to more and more new guesses and assumptions. Be that as it may, much remains to be done in the future to unravel these mysteries. I would like us to be able to comprehend even to the smallest extent the plans of the great master.
For two millennia, Orthodox Christians have received communion every Sunday and on major church holidays. They do this to the accompaniment of a prayer composed by John Chrysostom mentioning an event called the Last Supper. What it was connected with – we’ll figure it out in this article.
The Last Supper - what is this event?
At this meeting Jesus last time gathered all his people together to celebrate the Old Testament Jewish Passover. It symbolized the deliverance of the Jewish people from the Egyptian yoke. In addition, another task lay in such an event as the Last Supper - Jesus and Judas understood everything about each other. The first predicted the betrayal of the second, and Judas became the only one who understood the origin of the teacher and to whom the son of God revealed all the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why is the supper called a mystery?
Because Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion on his last evening. The Last Supper is an event that is commemorated by Christians in... Then it was customary to bake unleavened bread and slaughter a lamb on this day. There was no meat of the latter on the tables of the apostles and the son of God, because he himself went to the slaughter, ascending to the Cross for the sins of all the followers of Adam. Taking a piece of bread and a glass of wine in his hands, he said: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The cup of wine represents the blood of Christ shed for people, and the bread represents his flesh. That is, the Lord performed the Passover Seder.
Where did the Last Supper take place?
To search for a suitable place, Christ sent two disciples to Jerusalem. He predicted to them that on the way they would meet a traveler with a jug of water, who would turn out to be the owner of the desired house. For those who are interested in where the Last Supper was, it is worth answering that after the apostles announced the will of the teacher to the owner, he provided them with an upper room where they could prepare everything for Easter.
The Last Supper - a parable
There is a parable about the creation of a painting of the same name, authored by Leonardo da Vinci. He painted all the characters in his paintings from life, selecting suitable models. He wrote the image of Christ from a young choir, but for a long time he could not find anyone to play the role of Judas. And so, after a lengthy search, a young but prematurely aged man was found in a gutter with all the blemishes on his face.
When he saw himself in the picture, he said that three years ago he had already acted as a model, but then the artist painted Christ from him. The meaning of the parable of the Last Supper is to live according to the command of God, remembering the feat of Jesus and hoping for salvation in the kingdom of God. Faith can make us saints, give us eternal life, and turn unbelief into a pitiful semblance of a person who does not have the ability to resist sin and the power of the Devil.
Last Supper in the Bible
At a meeting with the apostles, Jesus established the sacrament of the Eucharist. It consists of the consecration of bread and wine, which are subsequently used as food. For those who ask what the Last Supper means, it is worth saying that at the last meal the son of God taught his disciples his Most Pure Body and Blood, donating himself as a sign of the subsequent resurrection and eternal life. Christ already knows about betrayal and speaks about it directly. At the same time, according to one version, he points to Judas, handing him a piece of bread, dipped in a vessel of wine.
According to another version, at the Last Supper, at the same time as Judas, he reaches out to the cup, which is direct evidence of his betrayal. He is saddened by the upcoming separation from his students and teaches them a lesson in eternal humility and love, washing everyone’s feet in turn and wiping them with his own belt. The first to be washed was the Apostle Peter, and the Last Supper became a revelation for him. He says: “Should you wash my feet?”, but Jesus answers: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” The Lord did not disdain the duties of a slave in the name of love and unity.
Last Supper - prayer
Not only on Maundy Thursday, but throughout the year before communion at the liturgy, the priest reads a special prayer, constantly remembering what happened at such an event as the Last Supper, Orthodox Church she even restored the rite of washing the feet, performed by the bishop after the liturgy. And although Maundy Thursday falls during Holy Week, it is considered a holiday, starting to celebrate it on Wednesday evening. At the same time, the canon “The Cut is Cut” is read, performing Irmos 9 songs, and at the liturgy the prayer “Thy Secret Supper” is sung.
In it, the prayer asks the Lord to accept him and make him a participant in such an event as the Last Supper. He promises not to reveal secrets to enemies, not to give such a kiss as Judas gave, and asks to remember him in the Kingdom of God. This is how Jesus Christ died for the faith and people. The Last Supper marks this event, and together with the communion of the apostles, the whole Christian people, connecting your souls with God and joining his Divine love.
Secrets of Leonardo da Vinci's fresco "The Last Supper"
Leonardo da Vinci- the most mysterious and unstudied personality of past years. Some ascribe to him a gift from God and canonize him as a saint, while others, on the contrary, consider him an atheist who sold his soul to the devil. But the genius of the great Italian is undeniable, since everything that the hand of the great painter and engineer ever touched was instantly filled with hidden meaning. Today we will talk about famous work "The Last Supper" and the many secrets it hides.
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last supper
Location and history of creation
The famous fresco is in the church Santa Maria delle Grazie, located on the square of the same name in Milan. Or rather, on one of the walls of the refectory. According to historians, the artist specifically depicted in the picture exactly the same table and dishes that were in the church at that time. By this he tried to show that Jesus and Judas (good and evil) are much closer to people than they seem.
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
The painter received an order to paint the work from his patron, the Duke of Milan. Ludovico Sforza in 1495. The ruler was famous for his dissolute life and youth was surrounded by young bacchantes. The situation did not change at all because the Duke had a beautiful and modest wife. Beatrice d'Este, who sincerely loved her husband and, due to her meek disposition, could not contradict his way of life. It must be admitted that Ludovico Sforza sincerely revered his wife and was attached to her in his own way. But the dissolute duke felt the true power of love only at the moment of the sudden death of his wife. The man's grief was so great that he did not leave his room for 15 days. And when he came out, the first thing he did was order Leonardo da Vinci to paint a fresco, which his late wife had once asked for, and forever stopped all entertainment at court.
Last Supper in the refectory
The work was completed in 1498. Its dimensions were 880 by 460 cm. Many connoisseurs of the artist’s work agreed that “The Last Supper” can best be viewed if you move 9 meters to the side and rise 3.5 meters up. Moreover, there is something to see. Already during the author's lifetime, the fresco was considered his best work. Although, calling the painting a fresco would be incorrect. The fact is that Leonardo da Vinci wrote the work not on wet plaster, but on dry plaster, in order to be able to edit it several times. To do this, the artist applied a thick layer of egg tempra to the wall, which subsequently did a disservice, beginning to collapse just 20 years after the painting was painted. But more on that later.
Idea of the work
“The Last Supper” depicts the last Easter dinner of Jesus Christ with his disciples and apostles, held in Jerusalem on the eve of his arrest by the Romans. According to scripture, Jesus said during a meal that one of the apostles would betray him. Leonardo da Vinci tried to depict the reaction of each of the students to the prophetic phrase of the Teacher. To do this, he walked around the city, talked to ordinary people, made them laugh, upset them, and encouraged them. And at the same time he observed the emotions on their faces. The author's goal was to depict the famous dinner with pure human point vision. That is why he depicted everyone present in a row and did not draw a halo above anyone’s head (as other artists liked to do).
Sketch of the Last Supper
Interesting Facts
Now we have reached the most interesting part of the article: the secrets and features hidden in the work of the great author.
Jesus on the Last Supper fresco
1 . According to historians, Leonardo da Vinci had the hardest time writing two characters: Jesus and Judas. The artist tried to make them the embodiment of good and evil, so for a long time he could not find suitable models. One day, an Italian saw a young singer in a church choir - so spiritual and pure that there was no doubt: here he was - the prototype of Jesus for his “Last Supper”. But, despite the fact that the image of the Teacher was painted, Leonardo da Vinci corrected it for a long time, considering it insufficiently perfect.
The last unwritten character in the picture was Judas. The artist spent hours wandering through the worst places, looking for a model to paint among the degraded people. And now, almost 3 years later, he got lucky. An absolutely degenerate guy in a state of severe alcoholic intoxication was lying in a ditch. The artist ordered him to be brought to the studio. The man could hardly stand on his feet and had no idea where he was. However, after the image of Judas was painted, the drunkard approached the picture and admitted that he had already seen it before. To the author’s bewilderment, the man replied that three years ago he was completely different, led a correct lifestyle and sang in the church choir. It was then that some artist approached him with a proposal to paint Christ from him. Thus, according to historians, Jesus and Judas were based on the same person at different periods of his life. This once again emphasizes the fact that good and evil go so close that sometimes the line between them is imperceptible.
By the way, while working, Leonardo da Vinci was distracted by the abbot of the monastery, who constantly hurried the artist and argued that he should paint a picture for days, and not stand in front of it in thought. One day the painter could not stand it and promised the abbot to write off Judas from him if he did not stop interfering in the creative process.
Jesus and Mary Magdalene
2. The most discussed secret of the fresco is the figure of the disciple located at the right hand of Christ. It is believed that this is none other than Mary Magdalene and her location indicates the fact that she was not Jesus' mistress, as is commonly believed, but his legal wife. This fact is confirmed by the letter “M”, which is formed by the contours of the couple’s bodies. Supposedly it means the word "Matrimonio", which translated means "marriage". Some historians argue with this statement and insist that Leonardo da Vinci's signature - the letter "V" - is visible in the painting. The first statement is supported by the mention that Mary Magdalene washed Christ’s feet and dried them with her hair. According to tradition, this could only be done legal wife. Moreover, it is believed that the woman was pregnant at the time of her husband’s execution and subsequently gave birth to a daughter, Sarah, who marked the beginning of the Merovingian dynasty.
3. Some scholars argue that the unusual arrangement of the students in the painting is not accidental. They say that Leonardo da Vinci placed people according to... zodiac signs. According to this legend, Jesus was a Capricorn and his beloved Mary Magdalene was a virgin.
Mary Magdalene
4. It is impossible not to mention the fact that during the bombing during the Second World War, a shell hit the church building, destroying almost everything except the wall on which the fresco was depicted. Although, the people themselves not only did not take care of the work, but also treated it in a truly barbaric manner. In 1500, a flood in the church caused irreparable damage to the painting. But instead of restoring the masterpiece, in 1566 the monks made a door in the wall depicting the Last Supper, which “cut off” the characters’ legs. A little later, the Milanese coat of arms was hung over the Savior’s head. And at the end of the 17th century, the refectory was turned into a stable. The already dilapidated fresco was covered with manure, and the French competed with each other: who would hit the head of one of the apostles with a brick. However, The Last Supper also had fans. The French king Francis I was so impressed by the work that he seriously thought about how to transport it to his home.
Fresco Last Supper
5. No less interesting are the thoughts of historians about the food depicted on the table. For example, near Judas Leonardo da Vinci depicted an overturned salt shaker (which at all times was considered a bad omen), as well as an empty plate. But the biggest point of controversy is still the fish in the picture. Contemporaries still cannot agree on what is painted on the fresco - a herring or an eel. Scientists believe that this ambiguity is not accidental. The artist specially encrypted in the painting hidden meaning. The fact is that in Italian “eel” is pronounced “aringa”. We add one more letter, and we get a completely different word - “arringa” (instruction). At the same time, the word "herring" is pronounced in northern Italy as "renga", which means "one who denies religion." For the atheist artist, the second interpretation is closer.
As you can see, in one single picture there are many secrets and understatements hidden, which more than one generation has been struggling to uncover. Many of them will remain unsolved. And contemporaries will only have to speculate and repeat the masterpiece of the great Italian in paint, marble, sand, trying to extend the life of the fresco.
"Culturology"
Artist, scientist, writer, engineer, architect, inventor and humanist, real man Renaissance, Leonardo near the Italian town of Vinci, in 1452. For almost 20 years (from 1482 to 1499) he “worked” for the Duke of Milan, Louis Sforza. It was during this period of his life that The Last Supper was written. Da Vinci died in 1519 in France, where he was invited by King Francis I.
Innovation of composition
The plot of the painting “The Last Supper” has been used in painting more than once. According to the Gospel, during Jesus' last meal together, "it is true that one of you will betray me." Artists usually depicted the apostles at this moment gathered around a round or square table, but Leonardo wanted to show not only Jesus as the central figure, he wanted to depict the reaction of everyone present to the Master’s phrase. Therefore, he chose a linear composition, which allowed him to depict all the characters from the front or in profile. In traditional icon painting before Leonardo, it was also customary to depict Jesus breaking bread with Judas, and John clinging to the chest of Christ. With this composition, the artists tried to emphasize the idea of betrayal and redemption. Da Vinci violated this canon as well.Canvases depicting the Last Supper were painted in the traditional manner by Giotto, Duccio and Sassetta.
Leonardo makes Jesus Christ the center of the composition. The dominant position of Jesus is emphasized by the empty space around him, the windows behind him, the objects in front of Christ are ordered, while chaos reigns on the table in front of the apostles. The apostles are divided into “threes” by the artist. Bartholomew, Jacob and Andrew are sitting on the left, Andrey raised his hands in a gesture indicating denial. Next come Jude, Peter and John. Judas's face is hidden in the shadows, in his hands is a canvas bag. The femininity of the figure and face of John, who fainted from the news, has led numerous interpreters to suggest that this is Mary Magdalene, and not the apostle. Thomas, James and Philip are sitting behind Jesus, they are all turned to Jesus and, as it were, expect clarification from him, last group– Matthew, Thaddeus and Simon.
The plot of the work “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown is largely based on the similarity of the Apostle John with a woman.
Legend of Judas
In order to accurately paint the emotions that gripped the apostles, Leonardo not only made numerous sketches, but also carefully selected sitters. The painting, measuring 460 by 880 centimeters, was painted over three years, from 1495 to 1498. The first to be painted was the figure of Christ, for which, according to legend, a young singer with a spiritual face posed. Jude was to be written last. For a long time Da Vinci could not find a person whose face would bear the corresponding stamp of vice, until luck smiled at him and he, in one of the prisons, met a fairly young, but degenerate and seemingly extremely depraved man. After he finished Judas with him, the sitter:- Master, don’t you remember me? Several years ago you painted Christ from me for this fresco.
Serious art critics refute the veracity of this legend.
Dry plaster and restorations
Before Leonardo da Vinci, all artists painted frescoes on wet plaster. It was important to finish the painting before it dried. Since Leonardo wanted to carefully and painstakingly write out the smallest details, as well as the emotions of the characters, he decided to paint “The Last Supper” on dry plaster. First he covered the wall with a layer of resin and mastic, then with chalk and tempera. The method did not justify itself, although it allowed the artist to work with the degree of detail he needed. Not even a few decades had passed before the paint began to crumble. The first serious damage was written about already in 1517. In 1556, the famous art historian Giorgio Vasari argued that the fresco was damaged.In 1652, the painting was barbarically damaged by a doorway made in the lower center of the fresco. Only thanks to what was done before unknown artist copies of the painting can now be seen not only with the original details lost due to the destruction of the plaster, but also with the destroyed part. Since the 18th century, numerous attempts have been made to preserve and restore the great work, but all of them did not benefit the painting. A striking example to this is the curtain with which the fresco was closed in 1668. It caused moisture to accumulate on the wall, which caused the paint to peel even more. In the 20th century, all the most modern achievements of science were thrown to the aid of creation. From 1978 to 1999, the painting was closed for viewing and restorers worked on it, trying to minimize the damage caused by dirt, time, and the efforts of past “guardians” and stabilize the painting from further destruction. For this purpose, the refectory was sealed as much as possible, and an artificial environment was maintained in it. Since 1999, visitors have been allowed to attend the Last Supper, but only by appointment for no more than 15 minutes.
If you try to remember masterpieces of painting that have been copied countless times, then one of the first in this series will be the fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. Written over two years, from 1495 to 1497, already during the Renaissance, it received about 20 “heirs” of the same theme, written by masters of the brush from Spain, France and Germany.
It must be said that even before Leonardo, some Florentine artists had already used this plot in their work. Unfortunately, only the works of Giotto and Ghirlandaio have become known to modern art historians.
Leonardo da Vinci in Milan
Connoisseurs of painting, and especially the work of Leonardo da Vinci, have long known the location of the world famous fresco. But many fans still wonder where Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is located. The answer to this will lead us to Milan.
The creative period dating back to the time of work in Milan, like the artist’s entire life, is shrouded in secrets and covered with many legends for hundreds of years.
Leonardo da Vinci, known as a lover of riddles, puzzles and secret codes, left behind great amount puzzles, some of which have still not been solved by scientists around the world. It may seem that both the life and work of the artist are a complete mystery.
Leonardo and Ludovico Sforza
The appearance of Leonardo in Milan is directly related to the name of Ludovico Maria Sforza, nicknamed Moro. An imperious ruler and talented figure in many fields, the Duke of Moreau in 1484 recruited Leonardo da Vinci, who had already become famous by that time, to serve. The artist's paintings and engineering talent attracted the attention of the visionary politician. He planned to use the young Leonardo as a hydraulic engineer, designer of civil structures and designer of military equipment. And he was not mistaken. The young engineer never ceased to amaze Moreau with his inventions. Such technical developments as new models of cannons and light weapons, the design of bridges unthinkable at that time, and mobile carts for military needs, invulnerable and impregnable, were proposed to the duke's court.
Milan. Temple of Santa Maria delle Grazie
By the time Leonardo arrived in Milan, construction of a Dominican monastery was already underway here. Having become the main architectural accent of the monastery complex, the temple of Santa Maria delle Grazie was completed under the direction of an Italian architect already famous at that time.
Duke Sforza planned to expand the area of the temple and place the tomb of his great family here. Leonardo da Vinci was brought in to work on biblical story"The Last Supper" in 1495. The place for the fresco was determined in the refectory of the temple.
Where can you see The Last Supper?
To make it easier to understand where Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is located, you need to stand facing the temple from Corso Magenta and turn your gaze to the left side, the extension. Today it is a completely restored building. But the second World War did not skimp on destruction. Eyewitnesses said that after the air raids the temple was almost completely destroyed, and the fact that the fresco remained intact was called nothing less than a miracle.
Today, millions of art lovers flock to the place where Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is located. Getting here is not so easy. During the tourist season, you need to book a place in a tour group in advance. And in order to preserve the masterpiece, visitors are allowed into the hall in small groups, and viewing time is limited to 15 minutes.
Long and painstaking work on the fresco
Work on creating the fresco progressed slowly. The artist worked chaotically, like all geniuses. Either he would not look up from his brush for several days, or, on the contrary, he would not touch it for days. Sometimes, right in broad daylight, he would drop everything he was doing and run to his work to make just one brush stroke. Art historians find several explanations for this. Firstly, the artist decided to choose the new kind paintings - not with tempera, but oil paints. This made it possible to constantly make additions and correct images. Secondly, the constant refinement of the plot of the meal allowed the artist to Once again endow the heroes of “The Last Supper” with associative secrets. Description of comparisons of the apostles with real characters, Leonardo's contemporaries, today can be found in any art historical reference book.
Search for prototypes and inspiration
Taking daily walks in different quarters of the city, among merchants, the poor and even criminals, the artist peered into the faces, trying to find features that could be endowed with his characters. He could be found in a variety of taverns, sitting in the company of the poor and telling them his stories. entertaining stories. He was interested in human emotions. As soon as he caught something interesting for himself, he immediately sketched it. History has managed to preserve some of the artist’s preparatory sketches for posterity.
Leonardo looked for inspiration and images for his future masterpiece not only among the faces on the streets of Milan, but also among his surroundings. His “employer” Sforza, who appeared in “The Last Supper” in the guise of Judas, was no exception. The legend says that the reason for this decision was the banal jealousy of the artist, who was secretly in love with the duke's favorite. Only a brave artist could make such a choice. “The Last Supper” has not only the secret codes of the prototypes, but also a unique lighting solution.
The picturesque light falling from the painted windows becomes truly realistic in combination with the frescoes from the window located on the adjacent wall. But today this effect cannot be observed, since the window on the wall is completely darkened in order to preserve the masterpiece.
The influence of time and the preservation of a masterpiece
Time quickly proved the wrong choice of painting technique. It only took two years for the artist to see his work greatly changed. The painting turned out to be short-lived. Leonardo da Vinci begins to carry out the first restoration of the fresco, but only after 10 years. He also involved his students in restoration work.
Over the course of 350 years, the place where Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is located has undergone many reconstructions and alterations. An additional door, cut into the refectory by the monks in 1600, severely damaged the fresco, and by the 20th century, Jesus’ feet were completely erased.
Before World War II, the fresco was restored eight times. With each restoration work, new layers of paint were applied, and gradually the original was greatly distorted. Hard work art historians had to determine the original idea of Leonardo da Vinci. The artist’s paintings, drawings, and anatomical notes are kept in many museums around the world, but Milan is rightfully considered the owner of the only fully completed large-scale work by the artist.
The titanic work of modern restorers
In the 20th century, work on the restoration of the “Last Supper” was carried out using modern technologies. Gradually, layer by layer, restoration artists removed centuries-old dust and mold from the masterpiece.
Unfortunately, today it is recognized that only 2/3 of the original fresco remains, and half of the paints originally used by the artist are irretrievably lost. To prevent subsequent destruction of the fresco, today uniform humidity and air temperature are maintained in the refectory of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The last one lasted 21 years. In May 1999, the world again saw the work of Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper”. Milan organized grandiose celebrations for spectators on the occasion of the unveiling of the fresco.