Last Supper (Cranach)

The "Last Supper (Cranach)" refers to several paintings and altarpieces depicting the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, created by members of the Cranach family, primarily Lucas Cranach the Elder and his son Lucas Cranach the Younger, during the Protestant Reformation. These depictions are significant because they often incorporate elements of Protestant theology, particularly regarding the Eucharist, and portray the apostles in the guise of contemporary figures.

Key features of Cranach's Last Supper paintings include:

• Inclusion of Lutheran Reformers: Often, the apostle serving the bread and wine is depicted as a likeness of Martin Luther, emphasizing the importance of his theological contributions and the role of the Reformers in the interpretation of scripture and the sacraments.
• Communion in Both Kinds: The paintings prominently feature both bread and wine being offered to the apostles, reflecting the Lutheran practice of offering communion in both kinds (sub utraque specie) to the laity, as opposed to the Catholic practice of offering only bread to the laity.
• Emphasis on the Word: Some versions include a Bible prominently displayed or held by one of the apostles, underscoring the importance of scripture in the Protestant understanding of faith and salvation.
• Secularization of Figures: The figures, including Jesus and the apostles, are frequently depicted in contemporary clothing and with features that reflect the local population, making the scene more relatable to the viewers.
• Part of Altarpieces: The Last Supper scenes are frequently incorporated into larger altarpieces, serving as a central panel or predella, illustrating the importance of the Eucharist within the context of Lutheran worship.

The Cranach family's depictions of the Last Supper were powerful tools of Reformation propaganda, visually communicating key tenets of Lutheran theology and promoting a reinterpretation of the Eucharist. They served as both artistic masterpieces and theological statements within the context of the religious and political upheaval of the 16th century.