Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Definition

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is a mural painting created between 1495 and 1498, depicting the moment Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him. This iconic artwork, located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, showcases da Vinci's mastery of perspective and emotion, while also reflecting the influence of ecclesiastical patronage on Renaissance religious art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Last Supper was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan as part of a renovation project for the convent refectory.
2. Da Vinci used experimental techniques with oil and tempera on plaster, leading to deterioration over time and requiring extensive restoration efforts.
3. The composition features all twelve apostles reacting with distinct emotions to Jesus's announcement, highlighting the drama of the scene.
4. The perspective in The Last Supper directs the viewer's attention toward Christ at the center, using architectural lines to create depth.
5. The painting has been subject to various interpretations and adaptations over the centuries, influencing countless works of art and popular culture.

Review Questions

• How does Leonardo da Vinci's use of perspective in The Last Supper enhance the viewer's understanding of the narrative?
  • Da Vinci masterfully employs linear perspective in The Last Supper, leading the viewer's gaze towards Christ, who is centrally positioned. This technique not only creates a sense of depth but also emphasizes Christ as the focal point of the moment. The use of converging lines draws attention to His figure amidst the emotional reactions of the apostles, enhancing the drama and importance of the scene being portrayed.
• Discuss the role of ecclesiastical patronage in the creation and significance of The Last Supper within Renaissance art.
  • Ecclesiastical patronage played a crucial role in The Last Supper, as it was commissioned by Duke Ludovico Sforza for a convent, highlighting the church's influence on artistic endeavors during the Renaissance. This support allowed artists like da Vinci to explore complex religious themes while employing innovative techniques. The painting reflects not only religious devotion but also showcases how church patrons shaped art to convey spiritual messages and enhance their own status.
• Evaluate how The Last Supper exemplifies key characteristics of Renaissance art and its impact on future artistic movements.
  • The Last Supper exemplifies key characteristics of Renaissance art through its innovative use of perspective, emotional expression, and attention to detail. Da Vinci's blend of realism and dramatic narrative set a new standard for religious paintings, influencing future artists in their representation of human emotion and composition. As artists adopted these techniques in subsequent movements such as Baroque and Neoclassicism, The Last Supper's legacy remained significant in shaping Western art history and its portrayal of religious subjects.

Related terms

Mural: A large-scale painting or artwork directly applied to a wall or ceiling, often serving as an integral part of the architectural space.

Renaissance: A period in European history from the 14th to the 17th century characterized by a revival of classical learning, art, and culture.

Chiaroscuro: An artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality.