The Renaissance

  The Renaissance was one of the most important times in history. It contained scientific breakthroughs including the Scientific Method and the discovery that the Earth is not the center of everything. The Renaissance also introduced many fascinating paintings from a variety of famous artists. Although some are questionable on what they represent and how they represent it, they are all unique and extremely enjoyable to view.

    Many paintings created in the Renaissance era still fascinate people to this day. As I wrote in a previous blog, some paintings trick the viewer into seeing something that isn't there or have the viewer see something from a different perspective. Paintings with Illusions (The Ambassadors, Holbein), and paintings that use three-dimensional techniques, trick the viewer into thinking there is depth to a painting when in reality there is only elaborate shading, structuring, and execution. Evolving during the Renaissance, creating depth in paintings became a bit of a challenge. Artists had to use their wits, a steady hand, and excellent hand-eye coordination to portray perspective on a two-dimensional substrate.

Due to several reasons, The Last Supper is arguably one of the most popular paintings in the Renaissance, if not in the span of all history. For starters, the painting has an amazing perspective of depth in the background. The room seems to stretch naturally and without flaw, the ceiling hangs at a realistic height, and the walls all have a different shading due to the light distribution through the door and windows. Jesus is positioned in the middle of the painting signifying that he is the focal point. Jesus being the calmest in the room contrasts him with his disciples who are all panicking and making a ruckus. This will be further discussed later.



The Last Supper, which Leonardo da Vinci painted in the refectory of the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in 1496. Picture taken from Milan Museum's website. Check out the website here.

All of Jesus's disciples are displayed in this painting - unless you believe John was replaced with Mary. Most are portrayed arguing with each other while Jesus, according to the Bible, tells them that one of them will betray him. Humanism is definitely present in this painting. Humanism is the representation of mortal people being in charge, setting things in order, and being in control of everything. Symmetry is also present in The Last Supper as there is one window on each side of the door, four tapestries on each of the side walls, six disciples on each side of Jesus, and even Jesus himself seems symmetrical. He is holding his arms out in a way that forms a symmetrical triangle.

Human emotions are expressed on every person's face. Jesus appears content and calm, while his disciples are anxious, frustrated, confused, concerned, and shocked. Leonardo da Vinci definitely had humanism and symmetry in mind when making this painting. All of the disciples in the picture are disturbed because they are not omniscient. They don't fully understand the accusation that their Master just revealed, and this unsettles them just like it would most humans. Most people would agree that a lack of knowledge and feeling out of the loop or excluded isn't pleasant by any means. But even if you're out of the loop and frustrated, perhaps you can lighten your mood by meditating on the beauty of The Last Supper.

"Humanism Influence in Italian Visual Art: The Last Supper." Klindahl 2, 26 Sept. 2014, klindahl2.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/humanism-influence-in-italian-visual-art-the-last-supper/comment-page-1/. Accessed 30 Sept. 2023.

"Leonardo's Last Supper." Milan Museum, www.milan-museum.com/leonardo-last-supper-cenacolo.php

Comments

  1. Regan GrayOctober 4, 2023 at 12:11 AM

    I almost chose The Last Supper to analyze for this assignment, but ended up choosing something else at the last minute. Im glad you chose it though, it's such an amazing piece of art. You did a great job explaining how each element complements the painting as a whole. I also liked that you tell some of the story that the painting depicts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Haley SielakOctober 4, 2023 at 11:53 AM

    Hi Connor, you gave a great explanation of how every element enhances the painting. You did an excellent job of relating humanism to the piece of art you chose. I appreciated how you wrote the narrative behind the picture. Both the setting and the people are so detailed and it's use of a one-point perspective is great for the scene it displays. Thank you for pointing out the three-dimensional figures in the artwork I chose, and i can definitely see it in yours.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JenniferOctober 5, 2023 at 12:54 PM

    Hi Connor, I like how you pointed out the symmetry and light balance in this painting. I feel like I've seen this painting a hundred times, but I've never noticed that before.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Alayna WalkerOctober 5, 2023 at 10:26 PM

    Hi Conner!
    The Last Supper is such a ginormous piece to analyze, so kudos to you! I love how you mention certain aspects being symmetrical, because you are absolutely correct. My favorite part of this painting has always been the tablecloth, due to how stark the contrast of it is in comparison to the clothing colors and the background.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bel VosebergOctober 7, 2023 at 3:48 PM

    I enjoyed this blog so much! I love how you broke down the art elements of this panting, it sounds like it came straight from a textbook! Im very impressed. I am not super religious but i can tell the impact paintings like this have on the christian religion.

    ReplyDelete

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