Artwork
The Last Supper
The Last Supper is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Altdorfer, a German Renaissance artist active in Regensburg, produced a woodcut titled *The Last Supper* circa 1513. Executed on laid paper with black ink, the print belongs to the religious genre and portrays the biblical scene of Christ’s final meal with his disciples.
Subject & Meaning
The image gathers a group of men around a table, sharing food and drink. A large window with a diamond‑patterned lattice admits light that focuses attention on the central figure of Christ and the surrounding disciples, one of whom is set apart, looking downward, suggesting contemplation within the communal setting.
Technique & Style
Altdorfer employed the woodcut process, carving the design into a single block of wood and printing it in a single color on textured laid paper. The composition relies on bold, simplified lines and stark contrasts of black and white, creating a sense of depth through the interplay of light from the window and the dense arrangement of figures.
History & Provenance
Created during Altdorfer’s mature period, the print reflects his involvement with the Danube School and his contributions to the Nuremberg Little Masters, a group known for intricate small‑scale prints. The work has been preserved as an example of early 16th‑century German religious printmaking.
Context
Altdorfer often placed biblical narratives within vivid landscapes; in this interior scene he substitutes a detailed architectural setting for his usual natural backdrops. The composition’s orderly crowd and clear spatial organization echo the artist’s broader interest in harmonizing human activity with structured environments.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
