The Last Supper (Plautilla Nelli)

The Last Supper (Plautilla Nelli) refers to a large-scale oil painting created in the late 16th century by Plautilla Nelli (1524-1588), a self-taught Florentine Renaissance painter and Dominican nun. This monumental artwork, measuring approximately 7 meters in length, depicts the biblical scene of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. It is notable for being one of the few known surviving works of this subject and scale painted by a woman during the Renaissance period.

Nelli's Last Supper is significant not only for its artistic merit but also for its historical context. Nelli led an all-female workshop within her convent, Santa Maria Novella, and the creation of such a large and complex painting speaks to the skill and organization of this workshop. The work demonstrates Nelli's understanding of Renaissance artistic conventions, including perspective, composition, and character representation.

Currently housed in the refectory of the Museum of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy, The Last Supper underwent extensive restoration in recent years, bringing renewed attention to Nelli's artistic contributions and the broader role of women artists in the Renaissance. The painting offers a unique perspective on this iconic biblical scene, filtered through the lens of a female artist working within a religious community. The restoration project has also provided valuable insights into Nelli's artistic techniques and the materials she employed. The work remains a testament to the artistic achievement possible within the constraints of convent life and the limited opportunities available to women artists during the Renaissance.