Communion of the Apostles (Barocci)

The Communion of the Apostles is a prominent altarpiece painting by Italian Baroque artist Federico Barocci, completed between 1603 and 1609. It is located in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in the Santa Maria sopra Minerva church in Rome.

The painting depicts the Last Supper scene, specifically the moment when Christ offers the Eucharist to his apostles. Barocci departs from traditional depictions by emphasizing a sense of movement, emotion, and spiritual intensity. He employs a vibrant color palette and dramatic lighting, characteristic of his late style, to create a dynamic and engaging composition. The figures are rendered with individualized expressions and gestures, conveying a range of emotions from reverence and devotion to contemplation and doubt.

Barocci's Communion of the Apostles is noted for its innovative approach to composition and its ability to evoke a powerful sense of religious experience. It showcases his mastery of color, light, and form, and stands as a significant example of Baroque art.