Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper
Statue
- Da Vinci painted it for his patron, Duke Ludovico Sforza and Duchess Beatrice d'Este between 1495 and 1498
- The original mural can be found at the back wall of a Dominican convent's dining hall at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy; it measures 15' x 29'
- It is called "Il Cenacolo" or "L'Ultima Cena" in Italian. Cenacle is the term ascribed to the upper room where the Last Supper was held. "Cena" is the Latin word for dinner.
- It depicts the confusion among the Apostles after Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him (in John 13:21)
- The Dominicans were displeased at this depiction of the Last Supper, thinking they were getting a glorified portrayal of the institution of the Eucharist
- The vanishing point of the painting is behind Jesus' head, which draws the viewers attention to Him
- Notice that Judas, distracted by Peter, is reaching for a piece of bread at the same time that Jesus is, revealing to the Apostles who His betrayer will be
- Judas is holding a bag, possibly containing the pieces of silver (or, symbolizing his role as the Apostle's treasurer); he is the only one with his elbows on the table
- The Apostles are grouped in threes. There are three windows behind Jesus. Jesus' figure is shaped like a triangle
- Peter is holding a dagger--presumably the one he will use to cut off the soldier's ear; the dagger is pointing at Bartholomew, who will later be martyred by flaying
- There is a huge portion missing just beneath Jesus--someone had placed a door there in the mid-17th Century
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1. Bartholomew - stood up in shock and anger, both hands on the table
2. James (the Lesser) - hand calming the angered Peter 3. Andrew - in shock, defensive posture, "not me!" 4. Judas - skulking away in guilt, clutching his purse, reaching for a piece of bread 5. Peter- furious, wielding his dagger 6. John- distraught, about to faint 7. Jesus - downcast eyes, sadness at revealing His betrayer, reaching for a piece of bread |
8. Thomas - approaching Jesus with a question while pointing
9. James (the Greater) - furious, arms holding back Thomas and Philip 10. Philip - saddened, pleading with a question 11. Matthew - pointing at Jesus while asking Simon for an answer 12. Jude - begging Simon for an answer 13. Simon - doesn't know what to say to Matthew and Jude |
Da Vinci's Last Supper |
Da Vinci's Last Supper |
Da Vinci's Last Supper Hand-painted Bronzed Resin ![]() 14.25" x 6" x 4" $108.00 |
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