Final answer:
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is in poor condition due to several factors including the artist's experimental techniques, environmental conditions, historical events, and multiple restoration efforts. Approximately 42.5% of the current surface is Leonardo's original work, with the remainder being restorations or lost. Its condition highlights the challenges of preserving historic art.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper has deteriorated significantly over time. The fresco began to degrade soon after its completion in 1498 due to various factors such as the experimental techniques used by da Vinci, environmental conditions, and multiple restoration attempts. Da Vinci's experimentation with tempera on the refectory wall instead of traditional fresco methods led to early and ongoing deterioration. This, combined with issues like humidity, dust, a bomb during World War II, and severe air pollution in Milan, has greatly affected the painting's preservation.
Restoration efforts have been many, with the most substantial one concluding in 1999. This last effort focused on halting further damage, revealing Leonardo's original work where possible. As a result, approximately 42.5% of the current surface is attributed to Leonardo's original painting, while the rest is comprised of layers from various restorers or is lost.
Despite the challenges faced, The Last Supper remains an iconic example of da Vinci's mastery of the human form and composition within figurative art. The painting's substantial history of restoration reflects the ongoing struggle to preserve works of immense historical and artistic value.