The Last Supper

Definition

The Last Supper is a significant event in Christian theology, representing the final meal shared by Jesus and his twelve apostles before his crucifixion. This moment has inspired countless artistic interpretations, especially during the Renaissance, where artists sought to convey its emotional and spiritual depth through various styles and techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Leonardo da Vinci's version of The Last Supper was painted between 1495 and 1498 on the wall of the refectory at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
2. The painting depicts the moment just after Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him, capturing a range of emotions among the apostles.
3. Da Vinci utilized linear perspective in The Last Supper, directing the viewer's gaze toward Christ, who is positioned at the vanishing point.
4. Unlike traditional fresco techniques, da Vinci experimented with tempera on plaster, which contributed to the work’s deterioration over time.
5. The Last Supper has been interpreted as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, central themes in Christianity that resonate deeply within religious symbolism.

Review Questions

• How does Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of The Last Supper exemplify key characteristics of High Renaissance art?
  • Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is a prime example of High Renaissance art due to its innovative use of perspective, emotional expression, and composition. Da Vinci's mastery in arranging the figures around a central focal point draws attention to Christ while simultaneously conveying individual reactions among the apostles. This not only showcases technical skill but also embodies the Renaissance ideals of harmony and balance.
• Discuss how interpretations of The Last Supper changed from the Early Renaissance to later artistic movements like Mannerism.
  • In the Early Renaissance, artists focused on realism and balanced compositions in their depictions of The Last Supper. As Mannerism emerged, interpretations began to incorporate more emotional tension and exaggerated forms. This shift is evident in later artworks that emphasize dramatic poses and complex compositions, reflecting a departure from the serene balance characteristic of earlier works.
• Evaluate the significance of The Last Supper in understanding religious symbolism within Renaissance art.
  • The Last Supper serves as a crucial symbol in understanding religious themes in Renaissance art, particularly relating to sacrifice and redemption. Artists not only depicted this event but also infused it with deeper meanings through composition, color choices, and iconography. By analyzing various interpretations across different periods, one can see how artists conveyed complex theological concepts while also responding to their cultural context.

Related terms

Leonardo da Vinci: A leading figure of the High Renaissance, known for his iconic mural of The Last Supper, which showcases innovative composition and use of perspective.

Mannerism: An artistic style that emerged after the High Renaissance, characterized by elongated figures and complex compositions, often seen in later interpretations of The Last Supper.

Communion: A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ through bread and wine.