Besides biographical information, this term paper will give insight on the different and important steps Leonardo had undergone during his career, for example his apprenticeship in the studio of Andrea del Verrocchio and his first ink perpetuation.
The main part of this thesis examines the fresco of Leonardo Da Vinci itself, giving
short insight on the evolutionary history. Also discussed in the main part is the design of The Last Supper with special regard to the scenery of the foreground, middle ground and background. Furthermore, the main part will provide a detailed description of the fresco regarding its arrangement, spatial scope, color ranges as well
as the apostles depicted in the Last Supper.
The last part will scrutinize how the setting and the gestures of each apostle as well as Jesus could be interpreted with regard to the biblical background and the implementation of Goethes’ point of view after seeing this piece of art as he traveled from Rome back to Germany.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Biographical background
2.1. Biography
2.2. Influences on Leonardo da Vinci as a draftsman
2.3. Leonardo’s elaborations and legacy
3. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”
3.1. Background Information
3.2. Description of the “Last Supper”
3.2.1. Foreground
3.2.2. Middle Ground
3.2.3. Background
3.3. Interpretations
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to conduct a detailed formal and interpretative analysis of Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco "The Last Supper". It explores the historical and biographical context of the artist, the technical composition of the mural, and the subsequent psychological and artistic interpretations of the figures depicted, while evaluating the artwork's enduring impact on Western consciousness.
- Biographical development of Leonardo da Vinci and his influences.
- Technical design and spatial arrangement of "The Last Supper".
- The psychological interpretation of gestures and moods among the apostles.
- Reception history and the evolution of artistic interpretations over time.
- Historical context regarding the High Renaissance and anatomical representation.
Excerpts from the Book
3.2. Description of the “Last Supper”
The following descriptions of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is referred to a copy from the original painting as shown in the Da Vinci Museum, Tongerlo (Fig.5). All descriptions relate to the point of view of the viewer, expect those describing the apostles and Jesus.
The frame of the picture is set in a rectangular shape in which the viewer looks into a room and his or her point of view is in a central position, looking directly into the room as if he or she would stand in the middle of the left and right wall. The continuing descriptions will focus on the foreground, middle ground and background.
3.2.1. Foreground
The foreground depicts a large rectangular table, which is covered with a white tablecloth and standing on a brown floor covered with six parallel stripes starting from the foreground and disappearing after the feet of Jesus and the Apostles. The table itself is covered with 11 loafs of bread and another one which is divided into two pieces. Furthermore there are also food plates on the table as well as 12 small see-through cups, which are filled with a reddish liquid, presumably wine. The whole table is reaching from the left side of the painting until the right side and occupies the entire foreground. In addition to that, the feet from Jesus and most apostles are visible under the table as the tablecloth is hanging down half the length of the table height. As the transition between the table and Jesus and his 12 apostles is very close, the latter is defined as part of the middle ground in this term paper.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents Leonardo da Vinci as a Renaissance icon and outlines the scope of the paper, which includes biographical insights, formal analysis of the fresco, and interpretation of the gestures.
2. Biographical background: Details Leonardo's early life, his apprenticeship under Verrocchio, and his professional service for various patrons in Milan and Florence.
3. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”: Analyzes the creation, physical description, and the complex symbolic and psychological interpretations of the apostles' reactions to the news of betrayal.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes the artistic significance of the masterpiece and touches upon modern, often controversial, interpretations of the painting.
Keywords
Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, High Renaissance, Andrea del Verrocchio, Apostles, Jesus, Betrayal, Art History, Perspective, Anatomy, Fresco, Symbolism, Gesture, Composition, Interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper", exploring its historical origins, formal design, and the psychological meaning behind the gestures and reactions of the figures depicted.
Which central themes are examined?
Key themes include the artist's biography, his technical influences, the spatial composition of the painting, and the biblical narrative of the institution of the Eucharist and the betrayal.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the fresco, bridging biographical facts with a detailed description of the artwork's foreground, middle ground, and background to understand how the emotional atmosphere is constructed.
Which methodology is used in the study?
The research uses a descriptive and analytical approach, combining art historical analysis of visual elements with interpretative references to historical critics like Goethe and Bernard Berenson.
What does the main body cover?
The main body breaks down the painting into its compositional parts (foreground, middle ground, background) and discusses the distinct emotional reactions of the apostles to Jesus’ prediction of betrayal.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Keywords include Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, High Renaissance, art history, composition, interpretation, anatomy, and symbolism.
How does the author characterize the role of Judas compared to the other apostles?
The author notes that Judas is uniquely depicted without a halo, with darker skin tone, and is shown in a detached, passive position, emphasizing his guilty conscience.
What is the significance of the "middle ground" in the analysis?
The middle ground represents the core emotional scene where Jesus and the twelve apostles are situated; it is the primary space where individual characters' reactions, gestures, and expressions are analyzed.
How is the influence of Verrocchio discussed?
The text frames Verrocchio as the key mentor who shaped Leonardo's early technical skills, particularly in sculpting and painting, and as the figure whose own techniques were eventually surpassed by Leonardo.
What does the conclusion suggest about modern interpretations of the painting?
The conclusion acknowledges that while "The Last Supper" remains an iconic religious work, it is subject to modern reinterpretations and even conspiracy theories, which the author views with a critical, academic perspective.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Philipp Tatai (Autor:in), 2009, Leonardo Da Vinci´s "Last Supper" - An Examination, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/181752
