The Last Supper

One of the most well-known pieces of art in the entire world is The Last Supper. This picture represents the Christian sacrament and its importance to many people. Christ assembled his disciples for dinner the night before one of them would betray him. He also told them what was going to happen and washed their feet (a gesture symbolizing that all were equal under the eyes of the Lord). Christ gave the disciples specific instructions on how to eat and drink going forward in his memory as they shared a meal and beverage together. It was the first time the Eucharist, a tradition that is still followed, was celebrated. One of the greatest frescoes ever created, The Last Supper is not only a unique work of art but also a masterpiece in the history of art and culture. However, Leonardo opted to use his preferred oil paints instead of the typical fresco that is frequently painted on walls.

Oil is thought to have been Leonardo's favored medium since it dries slowly, allowing him to make changes and work more methodically. Leonardo understood that the natural moisture that seeps through the majority of stone wall structures would need to be sealed in order for him to use oil paints; otherwise, his artwork would be damaged. He responded to this by applying a second layer of pitch, mastic, and gesso. The artwork has needed to be fixed several times throughout the course of its extended existence. Due to intentional deterioration as well as environmental deterioration, very little of the original top coat of the oil painting is still present.