The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," a monumental mural created between 1494 and 1498, is preserved in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan, Italy. This tempera and oil painting, measuring 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide, captures the apostles' reactions to Christ's announcement of betrayal. The experimental technique used by Leonardo, painting directly onto a dry wall rather than employing traditional fresco methods, unfortunately led to its deterioration within two decades of its completion. Despite its fragile nature and a history of restorations, including a significant 20-year project completed in 1999, the artwork was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. To protect the delicate mural, visitor access is strictly controlled, with only 25-30 individuals admitted for 15-minute viewing slots.