Johann Zoffany's painting titled 'Last Supper' being restored in Kolkata

Max Mueller Bhavan and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are engaged in restoring Johann Zoffany's painting titled ''Last Supper'', which is around two hundred years old.

The two organizations are jointly sponsoring the restoration of the 200-year-old painting, which is one of the most prized artistic possessions of Kolkata.

The 10 feet by 12 feet oil painting, currently hanging in St. John's church in the city since 1787, has suffered severe wear and tear over the years.

Experts found that some restoration work was undertaken about a hundred years ago and later in 1967, but both attempts were unprofessional, contributing to further deterioration of this famous work of art.

As a part of training workshop for its art restorers in the city, INTACH chose ''Last Supper'' for restoration with help from a Singapore based art restorer.

Reimar Volker, Director of Goethe Institute in Max Mueller Bhavan said that the painting had all kinds of damage - from deliberate slashing to unprofessional varnishing, holes, abrasions and triangular cuts through the image.

"The painting by Zoffany, which is here in John's Church seems really damaged; it offered the whole scope and spectrum of work that can be applied by an art restorer. Since, it is actually Zoffany''s, it appealed to us that it is most suitable for such a project," said Volker.

"The painting required a gamut of restoration work as it is tourist attraction and is in the public demand and hence needs to be restored in the right way and by the right people," he added.

German born artist, Johann Zoffany, was one of the founding artists of the British School in the 18th century. He gained immense popularity in London in early stages of his career.