Old Lithograph
Hello I have a lithograph that was painted by De Vinci and printed in London by S. Hildesheimer & Co. It has been in my family for many generations. I have tried to find someone to help with finding information on it and even contacted the London Art Museum about it and keep getting to a dead end. I am hoping you can help with it. The frame size is 41.5 in x 33 5/8 picture is 29.5 in x 21 5/8. The Last Supper with disciples' names listed on the table cloth and the scene in the background is different. I was told there were only 3 made. There is no number or date on the lithograph. The frame that it's in is the original frame with square nail heads. I am attaching pictures to see if you can help me You can reach me either by email at [email protected] or phone 484 619 5056 Thank you taking the time Bobbie Smith
The frame size is 41.5 in x 33 5/8 picture is 29.5 in x 21 5/8.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Bobbie,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The Last Supper (1495–1498) is one of the most significant works in Western art history — not just for its religious subject, but for its artistic innovation and cultural impact. The painting depicts the moment described in the Gospel of John when Jesus announces that one of the apostles will betray him.
Rather than showing the Eucharist being instituted (as most earlier depictions did), Leonardo captures the psychological shock of the moment — each apostle reacts differently with disbelief, anger, confusion, or fear. This human drama made the scene deeply relatable and revolutionary.
Leonardo uses linear perspective so all orthogonal lines converge behind Christ’s head, making him the visual and spiritual focal point. The architecture frames Jesus in a triangular composition, symbolizing the Holy Trinity — an elegant blend of theology and geometry.
S. Hildesheimer & Co. was a London-based publishing and printing firm active primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (roughly 1870s–early 1900s). They are best known for illustrated gift books and annuals, as well as high-quality color printing and they worked with popular illustrators of the period.
The Last Supper remains in its original location, in the refectory (dining hall) of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan but it is one of the most reproduced artworks in a time when reproducing famous artworks using the lithographic techniques was common.
You have one of these reproductions and - because there have been so many reproductions - it would likely sell at auction for around $100 even though this is of good large size and more than 100 years old.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
After Leonardo da Vinci
"The Last Supper"
Lithograph print by S. Hildesheimer & Co, London, late 19th/early 20th Century
Frame: 33-5/8 inches by 41-1/2 inches
Plate: 21-54/8 inches by 29-1/2 inches
CONDITION: Framed, not examined out of the frame.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$75-125*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
