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The Last Supper: The Review

The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci:


    The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci is renowned for its masterful use of composition, perspective, and symbolism. The composition expertly balances the figures and the architectural elements within the scene, drawing the viewer's eye to the focal point. Using a one-point perspective adds depth and draws attention to the central figure of Jesus. Additionally, the symbolism depicted in the painting, such as the placement of hands and expressions of the figures, further enhances the emotional and narrative impact of the artwork. He painted this piece from 1495 to 1498, located in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milano (Museo Del Cenacolo Vinciano)

    The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci is intended to convey a sense of solemnity. It captures the poignant moment when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. The expressions and body language of the figures in the painting reflect a range of emotions, including shock, disbelief, and concern, contributing to the atmosphere of tension and introspection.

    Leonardo painted the Last Supper using a dry technique: he applied the pigments to a white preparatory layer to level and smooth the wall instead of painting directly on the wet plaster. Hence, the plaster did not absorb the colors but was superimposed on the wall. This made the painting much more vulnerable and fragile than the fresco. This technique and the far-from-perfect environmental conditions caused the loss of pigment in the years immediately after the painting was completed. It also led to numerous attempts at restoration that, over the centuries, ended up disfiguring its appearance and further harming its state of preservation.

    The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci demonstrates masterful use of composition. The painting expertly balances the figures and architectural elements within the scene, drawing the viewer's eye to the focal point. The arrangement of the figures and the use of a one-point perspective add depth and guide the viewer's attention to the central figure of Jesus. This deliberate composition creates a sense of harmony and draws the viewer into the emotional and narrative impact of the artwork.

   It uses a one-point perspective to add depth and draw attention to the central figure of Jesus. This perspective creates a sense of three-dimensionality and guides the viewer's focus towards the focal point of the painting. Leonardo's skillful use of perspective enhances the overall impact of the artwork and contributes to its enduring appeal.

    Using a one-point perspective in the artwork symbolizes a sense of focus and direction. It draws the viewer's attention to a specific point in the composition, creating a sense of depth and guiding the eye toward a central theme or idea. This technique can symbolize clarity, convergence, and emphasis on a singular concept within the artwork.




Sources:

Cenacolovinciano. “The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci [1452-1519].” Museo Del Cenacolo Vinciano, 16 Oct. 2019, cenacolovinciano.org/en/museum/the-works/the-last-supper-leonardo-da-vinci-1452-1519/.




Comments

  1. I didn't realize this work was by Leonardo Da Vinci. Something that I appreciate about it is the sense of space. The foreground is somewhat flat. However the rooms walls have values that really push back the end of the room that make it seem like there is a lot of space behind Jesus and the Apostles. The line work on the folds of the table cloth make it feel real to the viewer. The feet under the table feel a little underdeveloped and lacking in detail, but I think that is ok given that the focus is on the upper bodies of the individuals at the table. As kind of a historical aside its interesting to see the sense of anachronism that is present in the work. Even though I am certain Da Vinci should have seen someone from the middle east its both plausible and possible he never has. If the only people you have seen are those within about a 20 mile radius of where you live, and the incarnate Christ is supposed to be a person like you, you are going to make that version of Christ look very similar to the people in your demographic. It's kind of like when you go the Cathedrals in Seville or Nidaros in Norway, and there will be a stained glass picture of King David, who looks like a knight and has a castle.

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