Last Supper (Tintoretto)

The Last Supper by Jacopo Tintoretto refers to a painting completed in 1594 for the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. It is one of several depictions of the Last Supper by the Venetian artist, but is arguably his most famous and distinct. Unlike earlier, more formalized and symmetrical representations of the event as described in the Christian Gospels, Tintoretto's version presents a dramatically dynamic and spiritual interpretation.

Key characteristics of Tintoretto's Last Supper include:

• Dynamic Composition: The scene is depicted asymmetrically, with the table extending diagonally into the background, creating a sense of depth and movement. The figures are not arranged in a neat, linear fashion, but are instead bustling and interacting with each other.

• Dramatic Lighting (Chiaroscuro): Tintoretto masterfully utilizes chiaroscuro, the contrast between light and dark, to create a dramatic and emotional atmosphere. A single light source emanates from a lamp hanging above the table, casting long shadows and highlighting key figures and details.

• Emphasis on the Supernatural: The painting includes supernatural elements such as angels emanating from the light source. This emphasis shifts the focus from a purely historical representation to a mystical and spiritual event, reflecting the Catholic Counter-Reformation's emphasis on the Eucharist.

• Everyday Details: Despite the supernatural elements, Tintoretto also incorporates details of everyday life, such as servants bustling around the table, adding a sense of realism to the scene.

The painting remains in its original location in the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy, and is considered a masterpiece of the late Renaissance and Mannerist periods. It is significant for its innovative composition, dramatic use of light, and its integration of both realistic and supernatural elements, making it a powerful and influential depiction of the Last Supper.