Leonardo Begins Painting The Last Supper

Leonardo's Daring Experiment in Milan

In 1495, Leonardo da Vinci stood before the blank wall of the refectory in the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan. He faced the daunting task of capturing the dramatic moment of the Last Supper on canvas. Known for his relentless pursuit of perfection, Leonardo opted for an experimental technique that allowed him to work more slowly and in greater detail than traditional fresco. He wanted to capture every expression, every gesture with the precision that was typical of him.

Leonardo decided to use tempera mixed with oil on dry plaster, which enabled him to create fine details and rich colors. However, this technique carried the risk of rapid deterioration, which soon proved true. Although the work began to deteriorate shortly after completion, Leonardo managed to capture the dramatic moment of Jesus' announcement of betrayal. Each apostle reacts in his own way, giving the work dynamism and emotion.

The Last Supper became an icon of Renaissance art, despite its rapidly worsening condition. The work influenced generations of artists and became an inspiration for countless reproductions and variations. Leonardo's innovation, though technically unsuccessful, revolutionized the approach to mural painting and demonstrated that art can be as much about process and experimentation as it is about the result.