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Schools

Oratory Looks to Da Vinci to Continue its Catholic Tradition

Local artist Mary Jean Canziani recreates artist's "Last Supper."

Summit residents will no longer have to cross an ocean to appreciate Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated “Last Supper” fresco. In fact, Oratory Prep students will soon be able to admire the painting, which depicts Christ’s last meal with the apostles, every school day at lunchtime.

Oratory Preparatory School has commissioned Mary Jean Canziani, a Maplewood artist who resides in Springfield, to replicate da Vinci’s masterpiece on the cafeteria wall of the all-boys Roman Catholic school.

“I think art is an undercurrent that runs throughout the school,” said Susan Dougherty, public relations coordinator at Oratory Prep, noting the school’s annual involvement in programs such as The Teen Arts Festival and Arts Alive. “This is just a natural extension to have a revered painting replicated on the cafeteria wall.”

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Canziani  was the ideal candidate for the job because of both her artistic experience and her personal connection to the school.  The artist runs her own faux finishing and mural business and is also the mother of Oratory Prep senior Dan Canziani.

Her current project began last year when she was contacted by the former Head of School, Marlene Kostka.

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“When the school asked in 2008 if I’d be willing to paint a mural, I thought it seemed an appropriate way for me to show my support and was happy to say yes,“ said Canziani. “On a personal level, the mural is a way for me to say thank you for all that OP has done for my son, Dan.”

The completed mural will be approximately 8 feet tall and 14 feet wide. It’s a modified version of the original “Last Supper” which is located in Milan, Italy. The feat of reproducing such a cherished artwork on a high-gloss blue plaster wall was admittedly daunting, said the artist, but also exciting.

In order to imitate the fresco style used in the original piece, a plaster base coat was first applied to the school’s wall to create a textured surface. A water-based paint, called gouache, was then used over the prepared wall to replicate the Renaissance method of painting.

There will be one notable difference, though, between da Vinci’s “Last Supper” and that of Canziani. Admirers will notice symbolic elements specific to Oratory Prep painted in three arches above the mural. The school’s crest and motto are front and center, accompanied by the school’s colors and letters on the left, and a representation of its patron saint, Philip Neri, on the right.

In addition, Canziani’s son will be creating a reference key to be displayed with the fresco to assist viewers in identifying the painting’s 13 figures. It will also provide information about the history and significance of the original masterpiece.

“I think that this replica is for all of the boys and parents to see our commitment to a faithful tradition,” said Dougherty.

The decision to create the painting in the school’s mealtime gathering place may have other implications as well.

 “The mural is located in the cafeteria, where students and teachers dine, hopefully providing a spiritual reminder of the significance of breaking bread together,” said Canziani.

And if Canziani’s version of the mural continues to remain true to the original, it’s a reminder that will last for a very long time.

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