Renaissance Blog
The image above was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci called The Last Supper. This piece was painted between 1494 and 1498 under the government of Ludovico il Moro. This painting can't be found in any art galleries or museums because it was painted on the wall of a dining room, called the refectory, of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria della Grazie, located in Milan. The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with the twelve Apostles.
When reviewing the art during the Renaissance I learned how important the Medici Family's role was in so much of the beautiful artwork I was reviewing. The Medici Family was wealthy and were in a position to sponsor artists and encourage them to paint and be creative. The family commissioned many works of art for their home and the public and many pieces reflected their devotion to the Catholic Church. The Last Supper was not commissioned by the Medici Family, but their support for Da Vinci allowed him to work in Florence and Milan and create priceless art masterpieces like The Last Supper.
Over time this painting started to deteriorate, due to the high moisture caused by flooding in the Santa Maria convent. Restoration of the painting began in 1726 and continued through the 20th century. There were plans to try and move the painting to a safer location but that plan stopped quickly when damage occurred to the painting in the moving process. The painting took on much criticism when people thought it looked "deformed" from the deteriation. Some think that the painting should have never been touched with or restored at all.
I found this painting to be a little fascinating because there is much disparity between each attitude of the twelve apostles. I think this painting is very powerful the way each apostle is placed and the way Jesus is right in the middle of the table. Da Vinci wanted to capture the emotions of each apostle in the dramatic moment when Jesus tells the twelve apostles that one of them is going to betray him. Da Vinci balances this masterpiece by placing six apostles on each side of Jesus, making Jesus the main focus. Da Vinci used lines from the ceiling, floor, table and windows to form a geometric alliance with Jesus who forms a triangle shape.
“The Last Supper - Leonardo Da Vinci - Useful Information.” Milan Museum, https://www.milan-museum.com/leonardo-last-supper-cenacolo.php.
Artincontext. “The Last Supper Da Vinci - A Glimpse into the Last Supper Painting.” Artincontext.org, 30 Mar. 2022, https://artincontext.org/the-last-supper-da-vinci/.
“The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci [1452-1519].” Museo Del Cenacolo Vinciano, 16 Oct. 2019, https://cenacolovinciano.org/en/museum/the-works/the-last-supper-leonardo-da-vinci-1452-1519/.
This is one of my favorite Renaissance art pieces, although I have not looked at this painting in quite a while, but can note that my eyes are drawn to the symmetry of the placement of the apostles, and even how evenly spaced the food and serving dishes are on the table. My grandmother had this painting on the wall in her dining room for many years, strategically placed where my Grandfather sat at the head of the table, so seeing this invokes great memories!
ReplyDeleteExcellent synopsis, thank you! I've seen this piece but did not fully realize that it was a mural and not on canvas! Thank you for your explanation about its history and current status. I wonder about artist's general fascination with religion at this time. There seems to have been a move away from depicting biblical scenes after the renaissance. Was religion solely for the upper class as art was at this time? Were buildings and architecture as sophisticated as the room the artist painted when Jesus walked the Earth?
ReplyDeleteHi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis of such a historic work, I believe there are very few paintings of biblical events that can hold a 'flame' to this depiction of the Last Supper. As you discussed, Da Vinci incorporated obvious symmetry to emphasize the importance of Jesus Christ, both by placing six apostles on either side - and if you notice, by having the separate groups 'lean' away from Christ; these work together to create a definite "V" in the center of the painting. You also mentioned the emotions displayed in the artwork, which I personally believe are accurate reactions of imperfect men next to the son of God, the perfect man. Jesus, who does not panic, who is not pleading for his life or for the apostles to snuff out the traitor, stays rather calm, understanding this is part of the Lord's plan for our salvation. All the while, each apostle reacts differently, some on the offensive - wanting to see who is the 'snake' among them. Some, raising their hands to show innocence, and are taken back from the shocking news; and finally, a few who appear defensive, offended by the idea that they may be viewed as the traitor - even if they know they are completing innocent of any wrongdoing. It all works together to depict the drama, and soon devastation, that would soon follow.
You choose an awesome piece of art. I never knew this piece was painted on a wall, that is some very cool information. you did a good job talking about the Medici family and providing the necessary information for understanding. Thank you for providing some modern background information to, it's interesting knowing about the restoration process and some of the opinions of others. You did a great job! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cait,
ReplyDeleteThank you for including history of both the connection to the Medici Family and the journey of the painting itself. I have always thought this painting to be strange, because when I imagine the last supper, I think of a dark, dirty room with Jesus and the disciples huddled closely around a small table. However, you mentioned that this was a dramatic moment, and perhaps Da Vinci meant to convey that by adding bright colors and a large room surrounding the characters. I think it’s amazing that we as humans can visualize the same thing in completely different ways.