Last Supper El Greco (1541-1614)

This painting, The Last Supper by Tintoretto, depicts the pivotal biblical event with Tintorettos characteristic dramatic style and a somewhat unconventional composition.

What I See:

The scene is set in a dimly lit, elongated room, draped with heavy green fabric overhead, creating a sense of enclosure and anticipation. At the center of the composition, a long table is laden with food and vessels. Jesus, identifiable by his halo and central position, is at the head of the table, his gaze directed outward, perhaps addressing the viewer or a divine presence. He is dressed in red and interacts with the disciples gathered around him.

The disciples, dressed in a variety of colorful robes (reds, oranges, yellows, and whites), are arranged around the table, some leaning in, others gesturing. Their poses are dynamic and expressive, conveying a range of emotions from contemplation to agitation. Notably, one figure in a dark green robe is seated on a stool at the foot of the table, turned away from Jesus and the main gathering, with his back to the viewer. This figure is positioned unusually, partially obscuring the foreground and adding a sense of spatial intrigue. Two lone figures are visible in the upper left corner, in silhouette, adding to the overall shadowy atmosphere.

The lighting is theatrical, with a strong light source emanating from behind Jesus and illuminating the table and the figures in a dramatic fashion, casting deep shadows. The floor is a checkered pattern of green and brown squares, adding to the slightly disorienting and theatrical effect of the space.

Subtexts:

• The Betrayal and Sacrifice: The most profound subtext is the anticipation of betrayal that Jesus foretold during this meal. The disciples varied reactions can be interpreted as their responses to this announcement, with some showing shock, others sadness, and perhaps one (the figure in green, potentially Judas) showing detachment or clandestine purpose. Jesuss outward gaze can be seen as his acceptance of his fate and his impending sacrifice.
• Divine Presence and Human Frailty: The halo around Jesus emphasizes his divinity amidst the human drama unfolding around him. The disciples, with their intense emotions and sometimes agitated gestures, represent the spectrum of human reactions to faith, doubt, and mortality.
• Tintorettos Signature Style: Tintorettos distinctive use of dramatic chiaroscuro (strong contrasts of light and dark), elongated perspectives, and dynamic foreshortening is evident here. This theatricality elevates the scene beyond a simple meal, imbuing it with psychological tension and spiritual intensity. The unconventional viewpoint and composition, particularly the prominent figure turned away, serve to draw the viewer into the scene and create a more immersive and emotionally charged experience.
• The Eucharist: The scene inherently refers to the institution of the Eucharist, the central sacrament of Christianity, where bread and wine are consecrated and consumed in remembrance of Jesuss sacrifice. The presence of bread and vessels on the table alludes to this ritual.
• Mystery and Revelation: The shadowed setting, the figures in silhouette, and the strong contrasts of light and dark contribute to an atmosphere of mystery. The viewer is a witness to a sacred and momentous event, but the full understanding of the divine plan is perhaps only held by Jesus himself.