The Last Supper, one of the most celebrated masterpieces in art history, was painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498. The painting was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. This iconic work was intended to decorate the refectory wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting depicts the dramatic moment when Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him, a pivotal scene from the Christian New Testament Bible.
Leonardo’s approach to this subject was revolutionary for its time. Instead of traditional fresco techniques, he experimented with tempera and oil on a dry wall to achieve greater detail and luminosity. This innovation allowed for remarkable expressiveness in each apostle’s reaction but also led to rapid deterioration over time. Despite these challenges, The Last Supper endures as a powerful representation of both religious significance and Renaissance artistry.
The origin and creation process behind The Last Supper reflect not only Leonardo’s genius but also his desire to push artistic boundaries. Today, it stands as a testament to his legacy and continues to inspire viewers worldwide with its emotional depth and technical brilliance.
Southwest Arts and Design offers a unique velvet painting of The Last Supper that captures the essence of the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece.