Who painted The Last Supper?

The Last Supper was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1510.

Where can I see The Last Supper?

The Last Supper is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Last Supper?

The Last Supper is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Last Supper

Albrecht Dürer , 1510

The Last Supper is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut of the Last Supper presents a tightly packed, vertical scene in which thirteen figures gather around a long table. Central to the composition is Christ, whose raised hands and halo draw the eye, while the surrounding disciples appear in close proximity, sharing the ritual of broken bread and spilling wine.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the moment of the Christian Eucharist’s origin, when Jesus announces that the wine represents his blood. Dürer emphasizes the immediacy of the declaration, portraying the disciples’ reactions and the communal act of sharing bread and wine as a narrative of impending sacrifice.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the work relies on fine parallel lines to render both the luminous halo surrounding Christ and the shadows that suggest a vaulted interior. These linear textures create a sense of depth on a flat surface, distinguishing the piece from later painted treatments that employ softer modeling.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 16th century, Dürer’s print reflects the Northern Renaissance’s interest in detailed engraving and religious subjects. The woodcut was circulated widely through printed copies, extending the artist’s influence beyond his painted oeuvre and reaching a broad audience of devotional viewers.

Context

During Dürer’s lifetime, the Last Supper was a favored theme for its theological significance and narrative richness. The print aligns with contemporary devotional practices, offering a visual aid for contemplation of the sacrament while showcasing the technical possibilities of printmaking in the period.