One of the Worlds Most Famous Paintings Explored at UD’s Heritage Center

It’s not every day that you’re given the opportunity to view or learn about historic art pieces. That’s where events like “Anatomy of a Painting: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper” come in to play. If you’re curious about The Last Supper you can learn more about one of the most famous paintings in history with the University of Dubuque’s Bisignano Art Gallery newest exhibit.

“For those who wondered why Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is so famous, I hope this show will begin to answer that question in a number of ways.”

-Alan Garfield, MA, Director at the University of Dubuque’s Bisignano Art Gallery

According to a press release from the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center, “Anatomy of a Painting: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper” is free and open to the public from Wednesday, March 1, 2023, through Sunday, March 26, 2023. It explores not only why the painting is famous, but facts about Leonard da Vinci and reviews a variety of Last Supper paintings through history.

“I can’t count the number of times that people have walked up to me and expressed both their admiration for and confusion with the da Vinci painting, The Last Supper. So Noah Bullock, art gallery coordinator, and I thought given that the spring season is holy for both Jews and Christians and that everyone loves or is confused by da Vinci, we could have a show dissecting his most famous work. What we have tried to do is to replicate, in some small way, the effect one might have by going to Milan, in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, where the mural is located. So, we tried to show the size and scale in this showcase.”

-Alan Garfield, MA, Director at the University of Dubuque’s Bisignano Art Gallery

A free pre-show reception for the opening will be held Sunday, March 26th, from 2 to 4pm in the art gallery. A brochure also accompanies “Anatomy of a Painting: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper,” funded by a gallery grant given by Bill and Judith Crandall.

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Gallery hours are noon to 5pm Monday through Friday during the academic year. The art gallery is also open in conjunction with all major events in John and Alice Butler Hall at the UD Heritage Center. The gallery will also be available virtually at http://gallery.dbq.edu.