Who painted The Last Supper?

The Last Supper was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1523.

Where can I see The Last Supper?

The Last Supper is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Last Supper?

The Last Supper is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

The Last Supper

Albrecht Dürer , 1523

The Last Supper is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s 1523 woodcut entitled The Last Supper presents a densely populated banquet scene in which Christ and his twelve disciples are arranged along a long table. The composition emphasizes the collective presence of the figures, while the central figure of Jesus is distinguished by a composed expression as he breaks bread.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the biblical episode of the final meal shared by Jesus and his followers before his crucifixion. Within the crowded arrangement, Dürer highlights the moment of communion, and the inclusion of a shadowed figure clutching a purse of coins identifies Judas, underscoring themes of betrayal and impending sacrifice.

Technique & Style

Executed with sharply defined, clean lines, the woodcut employs a forward‑tilting table that gives the scene a theatrical depth, as if set on a stage. The contrast between the luminous faces and the darker background enhances the spatial arrangement, while the meticulous incising reflects Dürer’s mature printmaking skill.

History & Provenance

Created in 1523, this religious print belongs to Dürer’s later period of print production, when he increasingly explored complex narrative compositions. The work survives in several impressions held by European collections, illustrating the artist’s continued engagement with biblical subjects toward the end of his career.