Artwork
The Last Supper
The Last Supper is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Maerten de Vos. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Western Art.
About this work
Overview
Maarten de Vos, a Flemish painter active in the late sixteenth century, produced an oil painting titled *The Last Supper* around 1590. The work presents the biblical moment when Christ shares his final meal with the twelve disciples, arranging the figures around a rectangular table in a restrained, contemplative setting.
Subject & Meaning
At the centre of the composition, Jesus is shown in a red robe, holding a fragment of bread, while the apostles sit on either side, each rendered in individual costume and expressing varied reactions ranging from surprise to concern. The arrangement underscores the theological significance of the Eucharistic rite and the impending betrayal.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting reflects the Mannerist tendencies of the Spanish Netherlands, with elongated figures, heightened colour contrasts, and a somewhat artificial spatial depth. De Vos employs careful modelling of light on the stone‑tiled floor and darkened wall, creating a solemn atmosphere that draws attention to the central narrative.
History & Provenance
De Vos belonged to the generation of history painters who followed the influence of Frans Floris, contributing to the religious visual culture of the Counter‑Reformation. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work is attributed to his late period and remains a representative example of his devotional output in the Flemish tradition.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Maerten de Vos, Maerten de Vos the Elder or Marten de Vos (1532 – 4 December 1603) was a Flemish painter, known mainly for his history and allegorical paintings and portraits.
