The Last Supper is both a pivotal event in Christian tradition and an iconic masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci. The event itself, described in the Gospels, marks the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, setting the foundation for the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist.
Leonardo’s painting, completed in the late 15th century, captures the dramatic moment when Jesus announced that one of his apostles would betray him.
Through innovation in technique, powerful symbolism, and masterful storytelling, The Last Supper has become a timeless work of art and a subject of intrigue and analysis for centuries.
The Last Supper Facts
1. Historical Context of the Last Supper
The Last Supper took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, a time when Jews celebrated their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It was a traditional Passover Seder meal, which involved specific rituals, prayers, and symbolic foods.
For Jesus and his disciples, this meal held profound significance, as it was not only a commemoration of Jewish history but also a pivotal moment in Christian theology.
During the meal, Jesus predicted his impending betrayal and suffering, setting the stage for his crucifixion and the fulfillment of prophecies. The Last Supper is considered by many scholars to have been a reinterpretation of the Passover meal, transforming it into a foundational Christian sacrament.
2. Significance of the Meal
The Last Supper is the origin of the Christian ritual of the Eucharist, also known as Communion or the Lord’s Supper. During this meal, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, declaring, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.”
These words are now echoed in Christian liturgies around the world. The act symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity and the new covenant between God and his followers.
The Eucharist has become a central rite in Christian worship, symbolizing unity with Christ and remembrance of his sacrifice. The Last Supper is not merely a historical event but a living tradition that continues to shape Christian worship and spirituality.
3. Leonardo da Vinci’s Masterpiece
Leonardo da Vinci began painting The Last Supper in 1495 and completed it in 1498 for the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The painting was commissioned as part of a renovation of the convent’s dining hall by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
Leonardo approached the work with the ambition to capture the most intense emotional moment: when Jesus announces that one of his apostles will betray him.
Unlike traditional frescoes, which required quick application of paint onto wet plaster, Leonardo developed a new technique using tempera and oil on a dry wall. This allowed him to take his time and achieve finer detail and complexity in facial expressions and body language.
4. Not a True Fresco
Leonardo’s experimentation with technique had significant consequences for the painting’s longevity. Traditional fresco painting involves applying pigment to wet plaster, creating a durable bond as the wall dries.
However, Leonardo wanted to achieve greater detail and experimented with a method that involved painting on dry plaster.
Unfortunately, this made the artwork vulnerable to moisture and flaking. Within a few decades, the painting began to deteriorate, and its condition worsened over the centuries. The delicate and experimental technique contributed to the painting’s fragility and the numerous restoration efforts required to preserve it.
5. The Apostles’ Reactions
One of Leonardo’s greatest achievements in The Last Supper is his portrayal of the apostles’ reactions to Jesus’ announcement of betrayal. Each apostle is depicted with a distinct facial expression and gesture, reflecting a wide range of emotions from shock to indignation to disbelief.
Leonardo conducted extensive studies of human anatomy and expressions to bring this moment to life. His use of dynamic poses and realistic gestures creates a narrative within the painting, where each figure contributes to the story being told.
The apostles are arranged in four groups of three, each group showing a different interplay of emotions and reactions, demonstrating Leonardo’s mastery of composition and human psychology.
6. Symbolism in the Painting
The painting is rich with symbolic elements. Jesus, at the center of the composition, forms a triangular shape with his body, a symbol of the Holy Trinity. The use of groups of three among the apostles also emphasizes this symbolism.
The arrangement of hands and gestures subtly directs the viewer’s attention across the canvas, creating a rhythm and flow. The window behind Jesus serves as a halo, enhancing his divine presence.
The perspective lines draw the viewer’s eye directly to Jesus, emphasizing him as the spiritual and compositional focal point. Every detail in the painting, from the placement of objects to the expressions of the figures, contributes to a deeper symbolic meaning.
7. Judas Iscariot’s Depiction
Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, is depicted differently from the other apostles. Unlike traditional depictions where Judas is isolated, Leonardo placed him among the other disciples, enhancing the tension of the moment.
Judas is shown clutching a small bag, symbolizing the 30 pieces of silver he received for his betrayal. His face is partially shadowed, and he leans back with his head lower than the others, symbolizing his guilt.
His hand is also reaching for the same dish as Jesus, alluding to the Gospel narrative where Jesus says, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.” This subtle detail reinforces the theme of betrayal without explicit vilification.
8. Changes Over Time
Over the centuries, The Last Supper has suffered significant damage from environmental factors, poor restoration attempts, and even war. By the 16th century, the paint had begun to flake away due to Leonardo’s experimental technique. In the 17th century, a door was cut into the wall, destroying part of the painting, including Jesus’ feet.
During World War II, a bombing raid destroyed much of the convent, but the wall containing the painting survived, albeit exposed to the elements.
Numerous restoration efforts, including a major project completed in 1999, aimed to preserve and recover as much of the original work as possible. Today, only about 20% of the painting is considered to be Leonardo’s original work.
9. Perspective and Innovation
Leonardo employed a pioneering use of linear perspective in The Last Supper. All the perspective lines converge at Jesus’ face, drawing the viewer’s gaze to him immediately. This technique not only enhances the depth and realism of the painting but also reinforces Jesus as the central figure of the narrative.
The use of perspective creates a sense of space that makes the viewer feel as if they are part of the room, sitting at the table with Jesus and his disciples. Leonardo’s innovative approach to perspective influenced generations of artists and helped establish principles of composition that are still admired today.
10. Controversies and Theories
The Last Supper has been the subject of numerous controversies and conspiracy theories, particularly following the publication of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Some theories suggest that the figure to Jesus’ right, traditionally identified as John the Apostle, might actually be Mary Magdalene.
Others speculate about hidden musical notes or symbolic codes embedded in the painting. While these theories have captivated the public imagination, most art historians dismiss them as speculative and not supported by historical evidence.
Nevertheless, the enduring mystery and complexity of The Last Supper contribute to its lasting fascination and status as one of the greatest artworks in history.