The Last Supper

Definition

The Last Supper is a famous mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci, created between 1495 and 1498, depicting the final meal that Jesus shared with his apostles before his crucifixion. This artwork exemplifies the innovation and humanism of the Italian Renaissance, showcasing Da Vinci's mastery of perspective and composition. The mural is not just a religious scene; it represents the emotional and psychological tension among the figures, highlighting individual expressions and interactions in a way that was revolutionary for its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Last Supper was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan for the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
2. Da Vinci used a mixed technique of tempera and oil on plaster, which unfortunately caused significant deterioration over time.
3. The composition features Jesus at the center, flanked by the twelve apostles, capturing their varied reactions to his announcement of betrayal.
4. The mural measures approximately 29 feet wide and 15 feet high, making it one of the largest representations of this scene.
5. The Last Supper has influenced countless artists and remains a crucial reference point in art history for its narrative depth and innovative techniques.

Review Questions

• How does The Last Supper reflect the principles of Renaissance humanism?
  • The Last Supper embodies Renaissance humanism through its focus on individual expression and emotional depth among the figures. Rather than depicting a flat religious tableau, Da Vinci showcases each apostle's reaction to Jesus's announcement of betrayal, emphasizing their humanity. This shift from a purely spiritual representation to one that captures human emotion illustrates the Renaissance's focus on individual experience and perspective.
• Discuss how Da Vinci's use of linear perspective in The Last Supper enhances the viewer's understanding of the scene.
  • Da Vinci's application of linear perspective in The Last Supper creates an illusion of depth that draws the viewer into the composition. The converging lines lead towards Christ, establishing him as the focal point amidst the apostles. This technique not only emphasizes Christ’s centrality in the narrative but also enhances the spatial dynamics among the figures, making the scene more immersive and engaging for viewers.
• Evaluate the impact of The Last Supper on subsequent art movements and how it reflects changes in artistic approaches during its time.
  • The Last Supper significantly impacted later art movements by setting a precedent for narrative storytelling within art. Its innovative use of perspective, emotional expression, and chiaroscuro inspired artists throughout the Baroque period and beyond to explore similar themes. By breaking away from traditional representations of biblical scenes, Da Vinci paved the way for more dynamic compositions that prioritize human experience, ultimately influencing modern interpretations of religious narratives in art.

Related terms

Renaissance Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings and the study of classical texts, focusing on human potential and achievements.

Linear Perspective: A mathematical system for creating the illusion of depth and space on a flat surface, developed during the Renaissance, which Da Vinci employed masterfully in The Last Supper.

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting to create strong contrasts between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensionality of figures, which is evident in Da Vinci's work.