Restoration Controversy: Da Vinci's Last Supper, Sistine Chapel

This report delves into the controversies surrounding the restoration of significant artworks, specifically focusing on Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. The essay highlights the debates that arose from the restoration works, questioning the authenticity of the artworks post-restoration. The "Last Supper," initially painted on a damp wall, required restoration soon after its creation, leading to debates about the alteration of the original work. Similarly, the Sistine Chapel ceiling underwent extensive restoration, sparking discussions about the authenticity of the restored artwork. The report references sources discussing the impact and implications of these restoration projects, analyzing the viewpoints and arguments surrounding the changes made to these historical masterpieces. The essay concludes by acknowledging the ongoing debate about the impact of restoration on the original essence of these artworks.

Running head: THE RESTORATION CONTROVERSY
The Restoration Controversy
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Author Note:

1The Restoration Controversy
It has been evidenced over time that the restoration works, done on the historical
creations, have always created a controversy in the academics. In this following essay, the
restoration works on the “Last Supper” by da Vinci and the “Sistine Chapel Ceiling” by
Michelangelo have been discussed.
The Last Supper, by da Vinci, was said to be done on a damp wet wall, hence, within
60 years of its creation it started to come off and needed restoration, which then called for the
artists, over time, to restore the work. Thus, as claimed by many the original work of Vinci
has been distorted and the essence of the same is not present anymore. However, the painting
was already on the wall, before Leonardo had undertaken the work and his work itself was a
restoration, which was one of the masterpiece and most acclaimed work of Leonardo.
However, the restoration work that had been done by da Vinci, had started to be falling again,
and the work, as we see it today, is not the same as the one that had been made by Vinci
(Hundley).
The same controversy has been made upon the works of Michelangelo, on the ceiling
of the Sistine Chapel, which, also is seen to be in need for a restoration, and a team of
excellent artists had been projected for this restoration work, which took almost 12 years’
time, thus making it one of the largest restoration projects (McGill).
The controversy, that both of these restoration projects had reflected is that, in that
case, these works should not be called authentic creations, since they are not the same
anymore.

2The Restoration Controversy
References:
Hundley, Tom. "Chicago Tribune - RESTORATION OF FAMED `LAST SUPPER'
INDIGESTIBLE TO MANY". Chicagotribune.Com, 2019,
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-03-03-9903030137-story.html.
Accessed 9 May 2019.
McGILL, DOUGLAS C. "Sun Sentinel - SISTINE CHAPEL RESTORATION STIRS UP
CONTROVERSY". Sun-Sentinel.Com, 2019, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-
xpm-1986-11-09-8603080786-story.html. Accessed 9 May 2019.