Last Supper (study) Andrea del Sarto (1486-1530)

The drawing presents a group of figures arranged around what appears to be a table or low platform. The composition is divided into two distinct registers: an upper section dominated by four figures and a lower section containing fragmented outlines of additional individuals.
In the upper register, we see three men seated closely together. The figure on the left gazes upwards with a contemplative expression; his head is slightly tilted, suggesting introspection or perhaps surprise. Adjacent to him sits another man, whose face is partially obscured by a cloth draped around his head. To his right stands a muscular male figure, leaning forward and looking down at the group. His posture conveys a sense of authority or concern. The artist has rendered these figures with considerable attention to anatomical detail, particularly in their musculature and facial features. Lines are used to suggest volume and form, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
The lower register is less defined, consisting primarily of sketchy outlines that seem to represent additional participants at the gathering. These figures appear more hastily drawn, suggesting they were intended as preliminary studies or placeholders within a larger composition. The lack of detail in this section emphasizes the focus on the upper group and their interactions.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette, executed entirely in reddish-brown ink, contributes to its somber mood. The limited tonal range enhances the emphasis on line work and form. The artists use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, while also conveying an impression of immediacy and spontaneity.
Subtly, there’s a feeling of tension within the group. The upward gaze of one figure, combined with the leaning posture of another, suggests a moment of heightened emotion or anticipation. The obscured face of the central figure adds to this sense of mystery, hinting at hidden thoughts or feelings. The unfinished nature of the lower register implies that the artist was still exploring different possibilities for the overall arrangement and narrative content of the scene.