Top Milan Walking Tours - page 12

My tour was exceptionally informative and wonderfully rich. Our guide, Sara Nuzzi, was immensely knowledgeable about every stop on the itinerary — so much so that I decided to take the extended tour, which included a memorable walk from Santa Maria delle Grazie to Sforza Castle, La Scala Theatre, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Duomo. There wasn’t a single question she couldn’t answer, and I asked more than my share. Standing in the refectory among two Da Vinci frescoes was unforgettable. Hearing not only how and when these masterpieces were created, but also learning about the extraordinary 20th‑century conservation led by Pinin Brambilla Barcilon (1925–2020) added a profound dimension to the experience. Barcilon — born in Monza and internationally respected for her scientific, meticulous approach — was one of Italy’s foremost experts in Renaissance mural restoration. Her work on The Last Supper began in 1977, when the mural was so heavily overpainted and damaged that she initially questioned how much of Leonardo’s original surface remained. Over 21 years, she removed centuries of added paint using ultra‑delicate methods (including Japanese paper), stabilized the fragile wall, and recovered Leonardo’s authentic forms and expressions. Her restoration is widely regarded as the most respectful and successful conservation the mural has ever received. Today, visitors can see The Last Supper with clarity because of Barcilon’s dedication, precision, and insistence on scientific rigor — including the careful use of X‑rays and diagnostic imaging to distinguish original pigment from later additions. Her work set a new standard for modern mural conservation and ensured that Leonardo’s masterpiece survives for future generations.