Da Vinci Last Supper

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