The Last Supper - Leonardo da Vinci

"The Last Supper", painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498, is one of the most iconic works of the Renaissance Italian, standing out not only for its artistic majesty but also for its profound symbolic weight. Located in the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this painting revolutionized the representation of this biblical event by capturing the emotional reaction of the apostles to the announcement of the betrayal by one of them.

Leonardo's technique in painting this masterpiece incorporated innovations, such as the use of tempera and oil on dry plaster, which, although it compromised the durability of the work, allowed an exceptional level of detail and luminosity. This work is part of the High Renaissance movement, characterized by harmony, balance, and the incorporation of both scientific and humanistic elements in art.

In addition to the original, there are notable copies that help preserve Leonardo's vision. Among these copies is the second image we present here, made by Giampietrino or Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, disciples of the master. This reproduction has been crucial, as it is considered an almost exact painting of Leonardo's, for the restoration of the details and color of the original work, which the deterioration over the years and acts of vandalism (such as Napoleon's) have caused to this composition.

The historical and cultural impact of "The Last Supper" transcends art, influencing numerous works over the centuries and solidifying its status as one of the most recognized and studied images in the art world. Through this painting, Leonardo not only explored human and divine complexities but also established a new paradigm for visual narrative in art.