The+Last+Supper


 * **Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)** is one of the most intriguing personalities in the History of Western art. Trained in FLorence as a painter an dsculptor, Leonardo is also known for his scientific contributions. His genius as an artist and inventor continues to inspire artists and scientists alike centureies after his death.

The Last Supper (ca. 1492/94- 1498) resides on the end wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Graizie in Milan. Da Vinci chose to capture the moment just after Christ tells his apostles that one of them will betray him. These captured reactions are quite specific to each apostle, expressing what Da vinci called the "motions of the mind." Despite the dramatic reaction of the apostles, a sense of order is very present in the scene.
 * The Painting**

The lines of perspective meet in Christ's right eye, thus making him the central figure of the painting. Leonardo grouped the apostles into four groups of three, with Jesus in the middle. From left to right are, they are: Group One: Bartholomew, James the Lesser and Andrew form the first group of three, all of them appearing surprised. Group Two: Judas Iscariot, Simon Peter and John form the second group of three. Judas is holding a bag of silver in his right hand, while reaching for a piece of bread with his left. Simon Peter is leaning over the shoulder of John, a knife held in his right hand, symbolizing his zealous defence of Jesus. Prior to Leonardo, it had been traditional to isolate Judas from the rest of the apostles by either seating him across the table from Jesus, apart from the others who were traditionally depicted as sitting on only one side, or by giving all the rest of the apostles and Jesus haloes, and excluding Judas. Leonardo created a more subtle and thus dramatic effect by swathing Judas in shadow. He also presented a realistic explanation of Christ's prophetic words that the first man to share bread with him would also be the betrayer: Jesus and Judas are shown reaching for the same piece of bread, although everybody's attention is riveted elsewhere. Group Three: The third group is made of Thomas, James the Great and Phillip. Group Four: The last three, Matthew, Jude Thaddeus and Simon the Zealot appear to be discussing the matter with each other, in a rendition of Luke 22:23: "They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this." || fineartamerica.com chrisitanbook.com art.com allposters.com amazon.com zazzle.com ||
 * Composition**
 * Artist**: Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)
 * Passage Referenced:** John 13
 * Print Available At**:

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 * References**