Antique Archibald L. Dick Leonardo Da Vinci Last Supper Engraving 49"

Description

Antique Last Supper engraving proof, circa 1846.. Framed ornate gold gesso.

This piece was produced by Archibald L. Dick (who signed his work A.L. Dick). Born in Scotland around 1805, Dick immigrated to New York in the 1830s where he established a highly successful commercial engraving enterprise.

Rather than working directly from the deteriorating original wall fresco in Milan, Dick created this plate in 1846 by copying a famous 1800 engraving by the Italian master Raphael Morghen. Morghen's interpretation was globally renowned for its clarity and balance, serving as the definitive visual reference for The Last Supper throughout the 19th century.

While Dick ran the workshop and his name appears on the lower plate signature, historical accounts suggest the exceptionally fine line work on this specific plate may have been executed by master engraver Charles Burt, who worked under Dick's business umbrella. The lower margin uniquely includes text from the Gospel of Matthew, the names of the apostles, a dedicated inscription reading "Dedicated to the Patrons of Christian Art", and a small vignette portrait of Leonardo da Vinci centered below the table.

Condition

Cracks, chips, discoloration to frame; foxing to print, edge tears.

Dimensions

31.5"w x 2.5"d x 49"h, sans frame 23" x 40"