ON THIS DAY

 

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 May 28, 1999

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"  back on display

 Work on the conservation and restoration of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper mural, much of it more harmful than helpful, has been carried out over many centuries, and continues. Completed in the late 15th century by the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, the mural is located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Italy. The Last Supper was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan in 1495, as part of a series of renovations to the convent with the intention that the location would become the Sforza family mausoleum. Painting began in 1495 and continued until 1498.

The scene is understood to depict the Bible verse John 13:22, showing the reactions of the Twelve Disciples at the Last Supper to Jesus's announcement that one among them will betray him.

The last renovation lasted for 21 years, until May 28, 1999.

The Superintendent for Artistic and Historical Heritage in Milan ordered a complete examination of Leonardo's work in 1976. This examination included sonar and radar tests, core samples of the wall, infrared cameras, and x-rays. The Superintendent appointed Pinin Brambilla Barcilon, a respected art restorer, to oversee a full restoration.  During this restoration, steps were taken to carefully remove dirt and grime before starting to reverse past restoration attempts. The restoration team removed the numerous layers of shellac, paint, and oils using "solvent applied with tiny blotters of Japanese paper." Areas that were too damaged or unrecognizable were filled in with light watercolor paints, so as not to detract from the blank areas. One of the major discoveries during this renovation was a tiny pinhole that marked Leonardo’s vanishing point, or point of perspective.

The former refectory was converted into a climate-controlled, sealed room to help counteract the environmental hazards that could lead to further deterioration.[22] Since then visitors are required to pass through several pollution and humidity filtration chambers before entering to see the painting, and are only allowed to remain for 15 to 20 minutes.

 

Jesus after and before restoration

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