The Last Supper in a Different Light

Discover why The Last Supper is one of the most famous religious images in the world. This article explains The Last Supper’s appeal and why it has been the centre of so much debate. It will highlight the elements that can so easily be missed and how being in its presence will make you reassess the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci.

If you are a lover of Leonardo da Vinci then you must buy Last Supper Tickets. This is the most breathtaking paintings produced in the Renaissance. The mural was commissioned by the extremely wealthy, art loving Duke Ludovico Sforza and his duchess Beatrice d’Este. Its purpose was to decorate the refectory in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie just outside Milan. Leonardo was famous amongst the Renaissance Court circles and was highly sort after by this point in his career.

Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous artist of all time and his work continues to intrigue fans from across the world. Leonardo da Vinci was as much a scholar as he was an artist. It is difficult to understand the power of his work without seeing it first hand. The Last Supper Ticket give you access to this master piece up close.

Controversy around this image has escalated over the years, suggesting Leonardo was conveying alternative meaning to the religious narrative. The condition of the mural has only aided fuel this debate. Leonardo’s experimental technique resulted in the painting to crack and crumble away during his own lifetime. Leonardo was a fantastic inventor and experimenter resulting in him making ground breaking discoveries. The Last Supper however, was certainly not a success! His experimental use of medium resulted in disaster and later restoration has only added controversy suggesting figures have been manipulated to change the images meaning.

Fresco painting was the typical medium of the Renaissance artists. The technique was painting onto wet plaster; the drawback was its time limitations. Work had to be completed before the plaster dried and could then not be changed. Leonardo used tempera made up of egg yolk and vinegar plus oil painting on dry plaster. He was able to alter his painting as and when he wished. Leonardo’s adaptations were an excellent idea but the paint didn’t mix with the plaster, and quickly decomposed.
The Last Supper’s crumbling surface has however not reduced the impact the image gives when seen on site. Its impressive size, standing at 15x29ft transforms the room bring it to life. This was not accidental. Leonardo has created a revolutionary form of perspective. Despite the image being well above the spectator’s head we feel like we are eye level with Christ. Furthermore the food, cutlery and glasses on the table are visible. The underside of the table should only be visible from as standing position. He has adapted our perspective so we can engage with this religious scene. Leonardo’s unique uses of perspective can only truly be appreciated when view on site, reproductions lose the fantastic achievement of the world greatest artist.

Leonardo da Vinci was fascinated with the idea of connecting the viewer with the scene and blurring boundaries Small element such as the table cloth and the cutlery would have matched the same used in the hall. It would appear that the nuns shared the same space as the holy figures as they too ate their supper. The painting would appear to be an extension of the room.

When visiting The Last Supper all pervious preconceptions will vanish. Your orginal understand of Leonardo da Vinci will certainly be challenged. When considering the painting’s decomposition and its relation to the view within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie you will realize why Leonardo da Vinci is consider being one of the world’s greatest masters. But decide for yourself, buy a Last Supper ticket and make up your own mind!