Leonardo Da Vinci: The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci painted “The Last Supper” on the back wall of the dinning hall at the Dominican convent of Santa Maria de Grazie in Italy.  Da Vinci painted the piece such that it looks as if you could stick your hand into the three- dimensional image.  He wanted to “extend the room” to make it look like Jesus and his apostles were sitting at the end of the dinning hall (Green).  What sets this particular depiction of the Last Supper apart from all the rest that other artists have created is that he has captured the exact moment that Jesus told his followers that one of them would betray him. 

In this painting, Leonardo has perfectly captured the confusion and astonishment in the expressions of his apostles.  With the exception of Judas, the apostles have looks of horror, anger, and shock across their faces.  Judas, the man who we learn had betrayed Jesus, appears guilty.  It is said that the small pouch he is clutching holds the money he received for betraying Jesus.  All of the followers love Jesus and are amazed that one of their own could do such a horrible thing.  Also, Judas was torn between the money and his love for Jesus and ultimately ended up choosing the money.  Judas wasn’t the only person in this piece subject to frustrating love.   Jesus was strongly affected by the love of his followers.  He knew that it was one of the men who claimed they would do anything for him that was going to break the bond between them and betray him.  Jesus still loved Judas, just as he loved the rest of the men.  However, it was frustrating to have Judas betray him.  The meaning of his life might also have puzzled Jesus.  His own father was sacrificing his only son to be the savior of all mankind.   Why had he been the one chosen to do so?  This famous piece of art shows one of the most diverse set of complications of love.