Artwork

The Passion: The Last Supper

The Passion: The Last Supper, by Hendrik Goltzius, 1598
The Passion: The Last Supper, by Hendrik Goltzius, 1598

The Passion: The Last Supper is a print by the Renaissance artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Passion: The Last Supper is an etching by Hendrick Goltzius, created in 1598, depicting a pivotal scene from Christian tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a crowded room where a group of men, centered around a figure with a halo, share a meal. The scene is set against a backdrop of a small town visible through a window, adding depth to the composition.

Technique & Style

Goltzius employed chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth. The precise lines and detailed rendering evoke the quality of a detailed drawing translated into print.

History & Provenance

The etching is now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, a testament to its enduring significance in the art historical canon.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrik Goltzius

Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.