Leonardo's 'The Last Supper' triggers debate in Muscat
Muscat – The Italian Embassy in Muscat, in collaboration with the Scientific College of Design, marked Italian Research Day with a lecture on the conservation of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. The event, held on Monday at the college auditorium, featured architect Chiara Rostagno, Deputy Director General of the Grande Brera museums in Milan.
Chiara discussed the challenges of preserving one of history's most significant artworks, describing the conservation of The Last Supper as emblematic of the broader efforts in art restoration. 'Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage is not only an Italian passion but a historic sector of collaboration between Italy and Oman,' she said.
'Leonardo's Last Supper stands as a prime example of the challenges and triumphs in this journey.' Unlike frescoes, she noted, wall paintings are fragile, making retouching difficult and often risky. 'Pollution and crowd exposure also contribute to deterioration,' she said. 'Right now, the Louvre management is in plans to revamp the entire museum for better preservation of the rare pieces.'
Prior to the lecture, Angelo Crespi, Director General of Grande Brera, outlined the cultural mission of the Milan-based institution, which links the Pinacoteca di Brera, Palazzo Citterio, and the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense.
The Italian Ambassador to Oman, H E Pierluigi D'Elia, said the event highlighted the strength of cultural ties between the two countries. 'This is a testament to the enduring value of Italian research and creativity, and to the strength of our cultural ties with Oman,' he said. 'Through collaboration with esteemed institutions like the Scientific College of Design, we continue to build meaningful bridges between our nations.'
The event drew students, academics and professionals from the art community. Chiara also touched on Leonardo's approach to art as a scientist.
'He studied human anatomy and was always looking for souls to connect; every work of his reflects real-life emotional detail,' she said.
Dr Mona Ismail, Dean of the Scientific College of Design, said, 'We are proud to collaborate with the Embassy of Italy on such a significant initiative. This lecture not only enriches our students' academic journey but also emphasises the importance of preserving cultural heritage.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Barceló Mussanah Resort Advances Sustainability with Ecobia Bio-Digeste
Muscat – Barceló Mussanah Resort, Oman, continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Since assuming management of the resort in 2021, marking Barceló's debut in the Sultanate, the company has rebranded and upgraded the property to align with international hospitality standards and Oman's national sustainability initiatives. As part of its dedication to environmental responsibility, Barceló Mussanah Resort has partnered with Ecobia Middle East, an Oman-based company offering innovative and cost-effective sustainability solutions, particularly in addressing the challenge of food waste management in the hospitality sector. Several months ago, Barceló Mussanah Resort and OMRAN signed an agreement with Ecobia Middle East to install a cutting-edge bio-digester on the hotel premises. This technology efficiently addresses the issue of food waste by eliminating smelly garbage bags, reducing the attraction of flies and pests, minimizing long-haul waste transport to landfill, and significantly cutting down methane and CO₂ emissions from landfill sites. The installation of the Ecobia Bio-Digester is a dual victory for the resort. Not only has it enhanced the hotel's Corporate Social Responsibility profile, but it also produces rich, 100% organic fertilizer that is now used across the resort's expansive 230,000+ square meters of lawns and landscaped gardens. This eliminates the need to purchase chemical fertilizers, resulting in substantial cost savings. Further benefits include lower waste disposal costs, the elimination of unpleasant odors from rotting food, and the production of free organic fertilizer following the initial return on investment. General Manager David Faull estimates that the bio-digester will achieve ROI within approximately 16 months. David Faull also praised the professionalism, advice, and ongoing support provided by Ecobia Middle East. The company has delivered comprehensive sustainability training to all staff members—from chefs to housekeeping—and conducted intensive training for selected team members on operating, maintaining, and managing the bio-digester. This partnership exemplifies Barceló Mussanah Resort's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its alignment with Oman's environmental goals.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Oman-Italy relations based on mutual respect, vision for peace
The Sultanate of Oman and Italy enjoy a long-standing relationship rooted in mutual respect and a common vision for peace, cultural exchange and sustainable development since pre-historic times, according to Pierluigi D'Elia, Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman. Speaking to the media at the Italian National Day in Muscat, named 'A Night of Culture, Friendship and Diplomacy' held under the auspices of Khalid bin Hashil al Muselhi, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, at the Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel, the ambassador emphasised the deep historical ties and shared values between the two nations. 'This event is not only a celebration of the Italian Republic but also of the enduring friendship between our peoples,' said the ambassador. The event brought together distinguished guests from Omani government institutions, diplomatic corps, business and cultural communities, as well as Italian citizens residing in Oman. The reception was a tribute to the strong and growing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Italy and Oman. He further said that Italy's National Day celebration in Muscat marks a symbolic reaffirmation of Italy's commitment to its international partnerships, particularly with Oman, to tackle common challenges and promote peace and stability. "The Embassy of Italy extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the celebration, including its partners - The Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman, Eurotec, Yenaier by Adante Realty, Scalinatella, Oman Air, Monte delle Vigne, Avicen, Renardet, I Veri Sapori Dell'Etna, Terre Di Shemir, CESI, Al Rofoof Hotel Supplies & Trading (Illy Café), Idea Hub, The Italian Trade Agency, and The Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel, whose valuable support and collaboration contributed to the success of this year's celebration," he said.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Explosion reported in Uganda
KAMPALA: An explosion killed two suspected rebels including a female suicide bomber near a Roman Catholic shrine in Uganda's capital Kampala on Tuesday morning, but no other people were reported hurt, authorities said. The two assailants were thought to be linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Congo-based rebel group allied to IS which claimed responsibility for multiple bombings in 2021, Ugandan army spokesman Chris Magezi said. Magezi wrote on X that a "counter-terrorism unit this morning intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists in Munyonyo, an upscale city suburb." One of the individuals was a female suicide bomber "laden with powerful explosives," Magezi said. "Two people were on a motorcycle and an explosion occurred," Ugandan police chief Abas Byakagaba told NBS in a video posted on X. Byakagaba did not say what happened to the two people on the motorbike but added: "The good thing though is that there were no people nearby who were injured." — Reuters
