Artwork

The Last Supper

The Last Supper, by Unknown, tempera, 1465
The Last Supper, by Unknown, tempera, 1465

The Last Supper is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

The Last Supper is a tempera painting depicting a solemn gathering of Jesus and his twelve apostles around a long table, set against a dimly lit room with a dark ceiling and walls.

Subject & Meaning

The scene conveys reverence and contemplation, capturing a moment of serious conversation among the apostles, with Jesus centrally positioned and the group arranged in pairs, some focused on him while others look downward.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, the painting achieves a sense of depth and texture, contributing to its overall somber tone. The medium's characteristics enhance the emotional gravity of the depicted moment.

Context

The dim lighting and traditional robes of the apostles contextualize the scene within a religious and possibly introspective narrative, though specific contextual details beyond the biblical subject are not visually emphasized.

Legacy

While the provided information does not detail the painting's impact or reception history, The Last Supper, as a subject, is notoriously influential in art history, with this version likely contributing to the broader artistic and religious discourse surrounding the theme.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known