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Artistic Criticism of "The Last Supper"

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Artistic Criticism of "The Last Supper"
Lindsay Ratliff

Humanities 110

October 19, 2012

The Last Supper

A Critique of the painting, “The Last Supper”

The Last Supper was a painting by Leonardo da Vinci produced in late 15th century. Leonardo painted the painting on Santa Maria della Grazie convent wall in Milan. The work stayed around 1495 and commissioned as part of a renovation plan to the church and convent buildings by Ludovico Sforza. The painting depicts the scene of the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples according to John13:21. Leonardo shows the consternation that happened among the 12 disciples when Jesus declared that one of the disciples would betray him. Though Leonardo has painted many paintings, the Last Supper is his most popular one.

Leonardo developed the painting well to show the Last Supper. He decided to capture the moment when Jesus told his disciples that one of them would betray him. Leonardo has shown the reaction of the disciples after hearing the news. Jesus’ message causes a visible response in the form of waves of emotion among the disciples. The apostles react differently to Jesus message with different degrees of shock and anger. One of the disciples left the glass he was using in its position and turned his head towards Jesus. Another disciple turned with stern brows to his friends while twisting his fingers. In addition, another disciple spread his hands open to depict the palm, shrugged his shoulders up his ears surprised. Moreover, another disciple spoke to his neighbor ear and as the neighbor listen to him. The neighbor turned toward his fried to lend him an ear. Further another disciple placed his hands on the table and stared. The other blew his mouthful. Additionally, another disciple leaned forward to see Jesus as he shaded his eyes with his hand. Another disciple drew back behind the disciple who leaned forward. The disciple saw Jesus between the wall and the disciple leaning forward (Da Vinci
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