The History of The Last Supper
The history of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper begins in 1495, when it was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, to decorate the dining hall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Completed in 1498, the mural's innovative but flawed technique meant its long history would be one of survival against decay, damage, and near-catastrophe.
The Commission and Creation (1495-1498)
In the late 15th century, Duke Ludovico Sforza embarked on an ambitious renovation of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent, intending it to become a Sforza family mausoleum. He commissioned the era's greatest artist, Leonardo da Vinci, to paint a mural in the refectory. Leonardo chose to depict the moment Jesus reveals one of his apostles will betray him, a scene of immense psychological drama.
Rejecting the rapid work required for traditional fresco, Leonardo experimented by painting with tempera on a dry wall sealed with a base of gesso and pitch. This allowed him to work slowly over three years, perfecting every detail and expression. However, this experimental method was the painting's fatal flaw, as the paint began to flake from the wall within two decades.
Centuries of Decay and Damage (1500s-1800s)
The mural's deterioration was swift. By 1582, it was described as being in a "state of total ruin." The problems caused by Leonardo's technique were compounded by humidity in the poorly insulated wall. The mural suffered a series of misfortunes and outright abuses:
- 1652: A doorway was cut through the bottom-center of the painting, completely removing the portion that depicted Jesus' feet.
- 1726 & 1770: Two early, clumsy restoration attempts did more harm than good, with restorers like Michelangelo Bellotti painting over Leonardo's work with oil paint and varnish.
- 1796: During Napoleon's invasion of Milan, French troops used the refectory as a stable, reportedly throwing things at the painting and scratching at the figures.
- Early 1800s: The refectory was flooded, leaving the mural covered in green mould after the walls absorbed moisture for days.
Survival and Restoration (20th Century to Today)
The 20th century brought the gravest threat and the most serious effort to save the masterpiece. On August 15, 1943, during World War II, an Allied bomb hit the monastery, destroying much of the refectory. The wall with The Last Supper miraculously survived, thanks to protective scaffolding and sandbags, but it was left exposed to the elements for months.
After the war, a new era of scientific conservation began. The most significant restoration project started in 1978 under the leadership of Pinin Brambilla Barcilon. For 21 years, her team painstakingly removed layers of dirt and the clumsy additions from previous restorers. Using microscopic analysis and reversible watercolours for lost sections, they aimed to recover and stabilize what was left of Leonardo's original work. The restored painting was unveiled to the public on May 28, 1999.
Frequently asked questions
Who paid for The Last Supper?
The Last Supper was commissioned and paid for by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. He was Leonardo da Vinci's patron during the artist's first period in Milan, and the mural was part of a larger plan to renovate the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
How old is The Last Supper painting?
The Last Supper was painted between 1495 and 1498, making it over 500 years old. Its age and fragile condition are why viewing conditions are so strictly controlled today.
What is the painting opposite The Last Supper?
On the wall opposite Leonardo's Last Supper is a large fresco of the Crucifixion, painted by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano in 1495. Leonardo also added tempera portraits of the Sforza family into Montorfano's fresco, though these have deteriorated even more severely than The Last Supper.
To experience this incredible piece of history, you must plan ahead. Explore our guided tours or book tickets online to secure your 15-minute viewing slot with Leonardo's masterpiece.