Last Supper
Factual Information:
From:
Period: 1495-1498
Period: 1495-1498
General Information:
The Last Supper painting is one of the more famous works from the renaissance. Painted by the artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, the painting depicts the exact moment that Jesus said, one of you will betray me. Each of the apostles can be identified and all are making specific gestures that could have been imagined to have been made when Jesus said that line. For example, Judas, the only one with his elbow on the table, is clutching a bag, perhaps containing the silver he sold Jesus for, as well as looking taken aback from the sudden reveal of his plan. The painting brilliantly shows one of the new innovations of the time, chiaroscuro, the change of colors from vibrant red colors, to darker, more blue colors to enhance the painting and make the viewer look at the intended focal point. Leonardo positions each of the apostles so that their movements seem to guide the viewers gaze throughout the painting. Leonardo also positions them all in a row, with all of them in a position so that you can see all their faces.
Why This Artwork?
This artwork was chosen because of its importance in the showing of the style of the time, as well as the portraying of one of Leonardo's popular works. The work also shows the intense detail, as well as thought that went into the work, like how the motions and lines guide the viewer through the painting.