Artwork
The Last Supper
The Last Supper is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1522 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sebald Beham’s *The Last Supper* is a 1522 woodcut print measuring only a few inches across, typical of the artist’s miniature output. Executed in black ink on paper, the image presents a compact scene of thirteen figures gathered around a long table, rendered with fine line work that emphasizes gestures and facial expressions.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts the biblical episode of the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples, with the central figure extending his arms as the surrounding participants turn toward him. The inclusion of a thirteenth figure—traditionally Judas—highlights the narrative tension of betrayal that underlies the scene.
Technique & Style
Beham employed the woodcut method, carving the design into a block of wood and printing it in a single color. His characteristic precision yields intricate hatching and cross‑hatching, creating a sense of depth despite the monochrome palette. The work reflects the meticulous detail associated with the “Little Masters” of the Northern Renaissance.
History & Provenance
Born in Nuremberg in 1500, Beham worked primarily in Frankfurt before returning to his native city. *The Last Supper* was produced during his early Frankfurt period and circulated among collectors of devotional prints. Surviving copies are held in several European print collections, though the original block is lost.
Context
The print belongs to the Northern Renaissance, a period when religious subjects were frequently reproduced for private devotion and didactic purposes. Beham’s small‑scale prints catered to a market for affordable, portable images, allowing the biblical narrative to reach a broader audience beyond the walls of churches.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
