Restoration of Andrew
The condition of Andrew's murals is similar to that of the other apostles, with only faint fragments scattered here and there, with nothing left on the walls that could be used to identify anything.
There is a slight drawing layer left around the right eye and above the eyebrow, but it is not enough to reproduce the facial expression. As usual, the outline of the face is also reproduced, but there is nothing solid on the wall that determines it. Additionally, only a bare wall can be seen where Andrew's rich beard was depicted, making it difficult to identify its rough outline.
Restoration process
Before the restoration, the picture of the Last Supper was so dark, especially around these three people, that it was almost impossible to make out what was depicted.
Nowadays, although there are some parts in which the authenticity is questionable, we can generally pinpoint the area that Leonardo drew, so this is a significant improvement compared to before.
Reconstruction of Andrew's head.
There is not enough information left to recreate Andrew on the current wall, so we have no choice but to restore it based on the information from the reproduction.
The position of Andrew's ears in the mural appears to be slightly shifted to the left.
Restoration of the green cloak.
Although it has been reproduced roughly along the outline of the mural, the part of Andrew's shoulders between him and Jacob the Lesser on the left side of the mural is reproduced as a cloak up to a high position in the mural, but in reality it is located a little lower.
Restoration of hands and yellow clothing.
Surprisingly, there are areas around Andrew's collar where a layer of drawing remains, and the position of the brooch on his chest can be identified.
However, there is a difference in that the wrinkles in the clothing under the brooch are reproduced in a wavy, curved depiction in the mural, but this part is depicted in a slightly straight line in the reproduction.
As for the hand part, there are green drawing layers scattered around it, so there is generally no mistake in identifying its position.
Comparison of reproductions
Vatican tapestory
Giampietrino reproduction
In Giampietrino's reproduction, the depiction of Andrew's rich beard has a fine and soft impression, but in the Vatican tapestry, Andrew's beard is depicted with deep shading, giving it a sculptural three-dimensional feel, and the two are similar. The expressions have quite different impressions.
There is no actual example of Leonardo's gray hair and beard being painted, so how to restore it will be a matter of great concern.
An image of a reproduction painted on a mural
Restore on table
Current condition of the mural
In the mural, a pattern is embroidered in navy blue on both the left and right edges of the tablecloth, but this pattern is not depicted in both the Vatican Taperterie and Giampietrino's reproduction.
Restoration of finger bowl and wine cup.
A small plate is drawn behind the large plate.
Reconstruction of a platter with fish, an orange, and a knife.
Restoration of bread.
Restoration of salt jars and water jugs.
http://leonardoresearch.jp/ September 13 2014
leonardoresearch.jp