Who painted The Last Supper?

The Last Supper was painted by German 15th Century in 1475.

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 Renaissance.

Artwork

The Last Supper

German 15th Century , 1475

The Last Supper is a paint print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Last Supper is a metalcut print, enhanced with hand-coloring in a muted palette of green, light rose, and yellow. The composition depicts a group of haloed men seated around a table, with a central figure holding a circular object, set against a minimalist background of suggested hills or buildings.

Subject & Meaning

The scene is identifiable as a representation of a biblical narrative, with the halos indicating the religious significance of the figures. The central figure holding a round object (likely symbolic, such as a plate of bread) suggests a pivotal moment, potentially the Last Supper, a final meal before a betrayal.

Technique & Style

Created using the metalcut technique, the print features sharp, clear lines, characteristic of early printed art. The addition of hand-colored elements in green, light rose, and yellow was a common practice in the period to enhance the visual appeal of prints.

Context

This work aligns with early Renaissance printmaking practices, where metalcut techniques and hand-coloring were used to produce religious and narrative subjects for a broader audience. The style and technique place it within the transitional period of printing technologies and artistic expressions of the time.