Summary
Highlights
Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, located in Milan, is a sizable painting that has undergone extensive restoration. Its original condition deteriorated quickly due to Leonardo's experimental use of oil and varnish on a damp wall, leading to significant damage by the 16th century. It was further damaged by bombing in World War II, so modern viewers see a heavily restored work, though the original concept remains Leonardo's.
The painting depicts two key moments from the Last Supper: Christ's announcement that one of his disciples will betray him, and his blessing of the bread and wine, prefiguring the Eucharist. The painting captures the dramatic reactions of the disciples, while Christ's pose with the bread and wine also alludes to the Catholic Mass and communion.
The Last Supper exemplifies Renaissance art through its figural form and composition. Each figure is individualized with distinct emotions, showcasing the importance of humanity and individual personality. The composition is calm, balanced, and stable, with figures grouped harmoniously. Judas, unusually placed on Christ's side of the table, allows for this balanced composition, prioritizing artistic harmony over strict biblical literalism.
Leonardo masterfully uses linear perspective, with orthogonal lines on the walls and ceiling converging at a vanishing point directly above Christ's head, drawing the viewer's eye to him. Atmospheric perspective also blurs the background. This spatial arrangement complements the composition, placing Christ at the central focus point through both implied and explicit lines.
The Mona Lisa, painted between 1503 and 1505, is arguably the world's most famous painting. Its popularity is debated; theories about her identity range from Lisa Gherardini to a self-portrait of Leonardo. Her enigmatic smile and direct gaze, uncommon for women in portraits of the era, captivate viewers. Leonardo's long dedication to the painting and its acquisition by the king of France also contributed to its mystique.
The Mona Lisa features a mysterious, craggy backdrop, using atmospheric perspective to create depth. Leonardo's interest in depicting the sitter's psyche is evident in Mona Lisa's complex, confident expression, devoid of status symbols. The painting is a prime example of sfumato, Leonardo's technique of soft, hazy transitions between colors and tones, creating a dreamlike and ethereal quality.