THE LAST SUPPER OGNISSANTI FIRENZE
Domenico Ghirlandaio – THE LAST SUPPER OGNISSANTI FIRENZE
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Painter: Domenico Ghirlandaio
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The fresco The Last Supper was created by Domenico Ghirlandaio in 1480. The artist decorated its wall in the Oniisanti Refectory Church in Florence. He is one of the greatest Florentine artists of the Quattrocento. His version of the Last Supper also depicts the last meal of Jesus and his disciples, but in a different iconographic version. The artist changed the poses of the apostles, changed the color scheme and the drawing of some details. He has depicted a large P-shaped table.
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Description of Domenico Ghirlandaio’s fresco The Last Supper
The fresco The Last Supper was created by Domenico Ghirlandaio in 1480. The artist decorated its wall in the Oniisanti Refectory Church in Florence.
He is one of the greatest Florentine artists of the Quattrocento.
His version of the Last Supper also depicts the last meal of Jesus and his disciples, but in a different iconographic version. The artist changed the poses of the apostles, changed the color scheme and the drawing of some details.
He has depicted a large P-shaped table. Along the walls behind it sit eleven disciples of Christ, on the other side in the center in front of them sits Jesus himself.
It took place on Holy Thursday, on which Christ blessed them.
Domenico made the backdrop from the window arches a light and gentle landscape with the tops of different kinds of trees and birds soaring in the evening sky.
The crimson ceiling of the Refectory is set off by the light brown tones of the walls and floor.
The walls are of monochrome color without any ornament, the floors are tiled. It is almost impossible to make out its pattern, but the delimitation of the squares is clearly visible.
Ghirlandaio organized the space of the table itself, paying particular attention to its decoration. He carefully prescribed all the attributes of the meal, inspired by the peculiarities of a technique new to him.
He also pays great attention to the light and shade on the surfaces and clothing of the apostles.
In the same technique, the artist detailed the embroidery framing the tablecloth, the carved bench, the bouquet of flowers in a light vase, the embossed gilded dish on one side and the jars of dark material on the floor on the other.
The artist depicted all the table decorations in a typical Florentine version for the time.
To this day, Domenico Ghirlandaio’s fresco The Last Supper continues to adorn the wall of the Refectory between the two inner courtyards of the Onissanti monastery in Florence’s eponymous quarter.
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The other participants are arranged along both sides of the table, exhibiting a range of expressions – some appear engaged in conversation, others seem lost in thought, and still others display an air of quiet observation. Their attire is varied, indicating different social standings or roles within the group. The table itself is laden with simple fare: bread, fruit, and what appears to be wine vessels.
Above the scene, the arched recesses are filled with lush vegetation – trees bearing fruit, interspersed with birds in flight. This naturalistic backdrop contrasts with the more formal arrangement of the figures below, creating a sense of depth and suggesting a connection between the earthly realm and something beyond. The architectural elements framing the composition contribute to an atmosphere of solemnity and enclosure.
Subtleties within the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of a meal. The kneeling figure’s gesture might imply acceptance of fate or a moment of profound spiritual significance. The varied expressions among the other figures could represent different responses to a momentous event, hinting at internal conflict or impending change. The abundance of fruit and birds in the background may symbolize fertility, hope, or divine grace. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, imbued with an undercurrent of melancholy and anticipation.