The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci - Essay Example

?The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci The mural painting, “The Last Supper,” is a breathtaking masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci depicting the figure of Jesus Christ sitting at the center of a long table, surrounded by his Apostles. It shows the last days of Jesus during which he was to reveal the betrayal of one of his Apostles (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). The painting was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza for the dining hall of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Milan, Italy. Da Vinci worked on this painting for three years, from 1495-1498 and applied a new technique called tempera instead of using the expected fresco method (Ladwein 2006). Due to this, the painting has seen a lot of destruction over the years and has needed a lot of care and retouching to maintain some of its originality. Regardless of this, the painting is a beautiful work of genius, inspiring grandeur and awe through the centuries in anyone who looks upon it. The tempera technique was a new one, invented by Da Vinci, which he wanted to experiment with when creating “The Last Supper.” He didn’t want to paint on wet plaster for that would have severely limited the amount of time which he could spend working on the painting. Da Vinci wanted to capture the smallest of details and colors and working with plaster would not have allowed him to achieve such excessive exquisiteness when painting (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). He applied a combination of tempera, a mixture of egg yolk and vinegar, with oil painting and used dry plaster to be able to better control the types of colors he could use (Ladwein 2006). This also allowed Da Vinci to redo specific areas without worrying about the plaster drying. Although, this allowed him ample time to complete the mural, it didn’t however stand up to the test of time. For, only a few years after its completion, the mural started showing signs of ruin. For example, the humidity caused the plaster to peel off at many places and even the paint starting falling off. This deterioration has led to many restoration incidents. As early as 1517 the painting was started to be described as being ruined (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). The paint was horribly faded and the faces became unrecognizable. A curtain was even hung to protect the painting, but it only worked to absorb moisture and further destroy and scratch the painting. The first true attempt occurred in 1726, where Michelangelo Bellotti, tried to fill in the missing areas with oil paint and later varnished the entire mural for protection. This too did not last long because the materials used weren’t up to the important task and in 1770, Giuseppe Mazza, had to repaint the entire mural (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). He wasn’t allowed to completely finish due to the growing controversy and resentment of the public, for, they felt that the artists were taking liberty with the work and recreating it however they pleased. However, time wasn’t the only enemy of this magnificent work of art. For example, at the end of the eighteenth century, French troops badly vandalized the painting, threw stones at it, and even tried to scratch the faces of the Apostles (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). It was severely destroyed before an attempt was made to relocate it to a safe location. While moving it, the painting was again further damaged. Many parts had torn off and glue was futilely used to attach the pieces back together. Two more attempts were made to clean the parts which were still attached and stable. The twentieth century didn’t fare any better for the mural painting. For, it met with heavy bombing and vibrations during world war two. The painting was destroyed beyond recognition and a major restoration project took place during the late 1970’s in hopes of fixing all the past mistakes and improper attempts at repairing it (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). The project lasted more than twenty years and great care was taken to stabilize the condition of the painting and even reversing the damages caused by humans, dirt, pollution and other elements. The size (15 by 29 feet) and the state of the huge paining have made it impossible to move it anywhere else (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). Thus, it is situated in Milan and major attempts have been made to stabilize and control the environment around it. Many tests have been undertaken to intricately study its quality and condition so as to properly restore the painting. It was finally restored and made available to be viewed by the public in 1999 (“The Last Supper”). The painting itself is a true master piece and emphatically illustrates the moment that Da Vinci wanted to portray. Although, it was requested that he paint the scene showing the Last Supper, Da Vinci chose the exact moment in time when Jesus revealed the betrayal of one of his Apostles (“Leonardo Da Vinci’s Life”). Instead of a calm and quiet scene depicting a peaceful dinner, the vivid emotions and expressions on the faces of the Apostles and the various postures they exhibit give a sense of activity and excitement. The painting shows an intense movement and heightens the feeling of drama while giving it depth and a realistic quality (“Leonardo Da Vinci’s Life”). With Jesus painted in the center, the viewer’s eyes travel right to the middle and then pan out from there, focusing on the other twelve figures around him. His bowed head and open arms emit a sense of calm and balance amidst the sudden uproar and anxiety that the Apostles exhibit (“Leonardo Da Vinci’s Life”). The length of the table allows us to visualize how vast the room might be. Also, the darkness of the room above and behind the figures, works to highlight the scene taking place in front of the viewers. The contrast of bright colors in the front, keeps the viewer’s gaze focused on the moment being depicted. The twelve Apostles are subtly grouped into four groups of three by Da Vinci. This method of portraying the figures around Jesus, further enhances the importance of Jesus seated in the center (“The Last Supper”). This symbolizes how he was not only a central figure back then, but also viewed as a leader and a significant inspiration to all who behold him centuries later. Starting from the left, the first group is comprised of Bartholomew, James the Lesser and Andrew. The first two Apostles are leaning towards Andrew who has his hands up in a frightened and tense gesture. It’s as if the other two are whispering into his hear, unable to believe what Jesus has just revealed. The second group shows Judas, Simon Peter, and John (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). Here Judas is not visibly illustrated as standing apart from the rest. Instead Da Vinci has painted him reaching for the same bread as Jesus and covering his face in shadow. This adds a subtle yet striking effect, showing how the traitor is literally seated amongst them. John, sitting to the right of Jesus is shown with his head down, almost unconscious at the news of the betrayal of Jesus (Ladwein 2006). The similarity in the colors of his and Jesus’ red cloak show how close and dear Jesus was to him as well as the other Apostles. The third group to the left of Jesus is made up of Thomas, James the Great and Phillip (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). Thomas is shown with his hand raised, highlighting the inexplicability of the news. James seems to be pushing himself back with shock and disbelief. These vivid displays of emotions and gestures by Da Vinci beautifully illustrate the intensity and shock of the moment (Ladwein 2006). Also, the calm and reposed figure of Jesus only contrasts and increases the anxiety that the other Apostles, and anyone else for that matter, must have felt at the time. The last of the Apostles, Matthew, Jude Thaddeus and Simon the Zealot, are painted in the far right of the painting (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). They are shown facing each other and discussing what Jesus has just proclaimed. Their outstretched hands and hunched shoulders vividly express their disbelief and shock. Da Vinci has cleverly categorized the twelve Apostles and by grouping them into sets of three has mastered the range of emotions felt and observed (“Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper”). From shock and anger to swooning and disbelief, the Apostles felt it all. This magnificent array of human emotions, Da Vinci magnificently captured in his brush strokes and vivid colors (Ladwein 2006). While the rest express distress and surprise at the news, Jesus’ face is smooth and not contorted into any strong emotion. His open hands are still welcoming, ready to accept his fate at the hands of one of his own men. Although, Da Vinci does not paint an actual halo above his head, the open windows behind him and the bright blue sky link Jesus to the rest of the world. The wide ceiling and the arch above, form a halo-like form on top of his head. His calm expression and accepting posture exemplify him as a pure and innocent soul. He is still at peace and unburdened by the revelation and his posture instead of diminishing due to fright, is seated tall and strong. The display of anxiety and shock around him, have done nothing to take away from his faith and purity. Da Vinci skillfully, paints Jesus as an essential and central figure not only for the Apostles, but for the rest of us as well. The painting is open and honest, portraying a clear view into the past and giving the viewer’s a glimpse into a moment in time. Da Vinci had established himself as a true artistic genius long before this painting. However, “The Last Supper” is perhaps one of his most famous works, widely interpreted and analyzed by many. The painting has seen a lot of damage, recklessness, and carelessness, yet it sill stands tall and proud. It is there, available for anyone to behold and take away whatever message one accepts from it. The beauty and splendor of the scene are timeless. The display of emotions creates a wave and a scurry of activity that almost jumps out of the painting. When looking at the breathtaking mural, a viewer can’t help but to feel a part of some of these emotions that Da Vinci illustrated so skillfully. After turning away from the ‘The Last Supper,” one has surely taken a part of the moment away with them. Works Cited Ladwein, Michael. Leonardo da Vinci,The Last Supper: A Cosmic Drama and an Act of Redemption. Temple Lodge Publishing, 2006. Print. “Leonardo Da Vinci’s Life.” davincilife.com. Web. 15 Aug., 2011. “Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper.” abcgallery.com. Web. 15 Aug., 2011. “The Last Supper.” lisashea.com. Web. 15 Aug., 2011. Read More