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The Last Supper

The Last Supper was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza for the dining hall wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan. The painting, which Leonardo worked on from 1495 to 1498, depicts the moment after Christ announces that one of the apostles dining with him will betray him. The twelve apostles react with varying degrees of outrage, shock and confusion.

Leonardo’s The Last Supper is considered one of the most significant and iconic masterpieces in the history of Western art for several reasons:

Subject Matter:

The Last Supper depicts the moment after Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him during the final meal before his crucifixion. This biblical scene is a crucial moment in Christian theology.

Innovative Composition:

Leonardo departed from traditional representations of the Last Supper by introducing new compositional elements. Instead of a static depiction, he created a dynamic scene with the disciples reacting individually to Jesus’ revelation. This innovative approach humanised the figures and added emotional depth to the narrative.

Rigorous Detail and Realism:
Leonardo’s attention to detail and commitment to realism are evident in the painting. He studied human anatomy, expressions, and perspectives to create lifelike figures. The architectural details of the room and the use of light and shadow further contribute to the realism of the scene.

Use of Chiaroscuro:
Leonardo’s mastery of chiaroscuro, the use of light and shadow to create
a three-dimensional effect, is showcased in The Last Supper. This technique enhances the dramatic atmosphere and gives depth to the composition.

Expression and Emotion:
Each disciple’s reaction to Jesus’ announcement is depicted with distinct expressions, revealing Leonardo’s ability to convey complex human emotions. The painting captures a range of responses, from shock and disbelief, to anger and sorrow.

Historical Influence:
Completed between 1495 and 1498, The Last Supper is a product of the Renaissance, a period of great cultural and artistic innovation. Leonardo’s approach to the subject influenced subsequent artists and set a new standard for narrative composition.

Restoration Challenges:
Over the centuries, the mural has faced significant deterioration. Numerous restoration attempts have been made to preserve the artwork, but its fragility adds to its historical and cultural importance.

Despite the challenges and the passage of time, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper continues to captivate viewers, standing as a testament to the artist’s genius and his lasting impact on the art world.

THE LUME Melbourne
  1. A message from the founder
  2. Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius: The Experience
  3. Leonardo da Vinci 1452-1519
  4. Father of Flight - Overview
  5. Father of Flight - Flapping Wing
  6. Father of Flight - Vertical Flying Machine
  7. Father of Flight - Study of a Jointed Wing
  8. Father of Flight - Aerial Screw
  9. Father of Flight - Flying Machine
  10. Father of Flight - Open Glider
  11. Father of Flight - Parachute
  12. Codices - Overview
  13. Codices - Resumé of a Genius
  14. Replica Codices
  15. The Artistry of Leonardo - Overview
  16. The Artistry of Leonardo - Annunciation
  17. The Artistry of Leonardo - Madonna of the Carnation
  18. The Artistry of Leonardo - Ginevra de Benci
  19. The Artistry of Leonardo - The Benois Madonna
  20. The Artistry of Leonardo - St. Jerome
  21. The Artistry of Leonardo - Madonna Litta
  22. The Artistry of Leonardo - The Virgin of the Rocks (Louvre Version)
  23. The Artistry of Leonardo - Portrait of a Musician
  24. The Artistry of Leonardo - Lady with an Ermine
  25. The Artistry of Leonardo - La Belle Ferroniere
  26. The Artistry of Leonardo - Virgin of the Rocks (London Version)
  27. The Artistry of Leonardo - The Virgin and Child with St. Anne
  28. The Artistry of Leonardo - Salvator Mundi
  29. The Artistry of Leonardo - St. John the Baptist
  30. The Artistry of Leonardo - Self-Portrait in Red Chalk
  31. Exploring the Human Anatomy
  32. Mona Lisa Revealed
  33. Mona Lisa Revealed - Artistic Rejuvenation
  34. Mona Lisa Revealed - Did You Know?
  35. Mona Lisa - 25 Secrets Revealed
  36. Mona Lisa Revealed - The Mystery of the Eyelashes and Eyebrows
  37. Mona Lisa - Colours Revealed
  38. Mona Lisa Replica
  39. Vitruvian Man - Ratios
  40. Vitruvian Man - Harmony of Proportions
  41. Vitruvian Man
  42. Artist's Studio
  43. The Last Supper
  44. Codex Atlanticus
  45. Original Codices
  46. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity
  47. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Archimedes' Screw
  48. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Paddle Boat
  49. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Emergency Bridge
  50. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Hand-flipper
  51. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Lifebuoy
  52. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Diving Equipment
  53. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Breathing Equipment
  54. Aquatic & Hydraulic Ingenuity - Floats for Walking on Water
  55. Dynamics of Nature
  56. Dynamics of Nature - Flywheels
  57. Dynamics of Nature - Jack
  58. Dynamics of Nature - Rolling Ball Bearings
  59. Dynamics of Nature - Ball Bearings
  60. Dynamics of Nature - Chain Crankcase
  61. Dynamics of Nature - Cog-Wheels Lantern Mechanism
  62. Dynamics of Nature - Hammer Driven by an Eccentric Cam
  63. Dynamics of Nature - Automatic Blocking Mechanism
  64. Engineering Excellence
  65. Engineering Excellence - Self-Propelled Car
  66. Engineering Excellence - Bicycle
  67. Engineering Excellence - Pole-Erecting Machine
  68. Engineering Excellence - Crank-Operated Cart
  69. Engineering Excellence - Odometer
  70. Engineering Excellence - The Ideal City
  71. Instruments of Music & Optics
  72. Instruments of Music & Optics - Mechanical Drum
  73. Instruments of Music & Optics - Mirrors Room
  74. Instruments of Music & Optics - Costume Designer
  75. Instruments of Music & Optics - Double Flute
  76. Military Engineering Exploits
  77. Military Engineering Exploits - Covered Cart for Attacking Fortifications
  78. Military Engineering Exploits - Multi-Directional Gun-Machine
  79. Military Engineering Exploits - Giant Crossbow
  80. Military Engineering Exploits - Cannon
  81. Military Engineering Exploits - Tank
  82. Military Engineering Exploits - Catapult
  83. Military Engineering Exploits - Steam Cannon
  84. Military Engineering Exploits - Mowing Wagon