I started to wonder about other representations of the last supper, and ended up finding an interesting article, called the: 'Last Supper' Gets Supersized with Time. The article mentions that over the last millennium, the entree sizes have increased by 69%! I thought it was interesting .. and a little morbid.
As for the painting itself, I found an article that explains many of its facets here. For example, I didn't know that Christ's feet are missing because someone decided to put a door in after-the-fact.
What do I think about the last supper? I was able to go to the Jerusalem Center a little over a year and a half ago, and gained some perspective on it there. For example, the last supper table may have been set up like this, in a triclinium:
Christ and the apostles would have been reclining, resting on their left elbow, and arranged a certain order around the table according to tradition. It is said that Peter occupied the servant's position (the last and most far forward on the right), and Christ the host's position, (on the left and second from being the most far forward). John the Beloved and Judas Iscariot occupied the positions next to Christ. More of this is explained in a lecture I attended given by Dr. Andrew C. Skinner.
Although the opinions surrounding the logistics Last Supper may differ, I find comfort in knowing that my Savior Jesus Christ instituted the first sacrament there, and that it is an ordinance that is still continued today. I am so grateful for all that He has done for me.
10 comments:
I found it fascinating to discover that the original was painted on a stone wall as a mural and that all other painting of it are copies made by his students or other artists. Do you think there is significance in where da Vinci chose to paint it?
Wow! Great research! That is really interesting. Thanks for sharing!
This is quite interesting. How long were you able to stay at the Jerusalem Center?
That's awesome! I'm really interested in going to the Jerusalem Center as well. What were some things that you liked about it as far as academic learning goes? thanks for sharing that post...those were some interesting facts!
Western culture has predominantly represented Christ as being European in appearance and habits. Yet he certainly came from a Jewish heritage and ate on the floor in this case, not at a table. How much does our culture dictate our art and our experiences? Does exposure to cultures through travelling change how we view and represent our knowledge? How much will your virtual travel this semester affect you?
Kristi: da Vinci was commissioned to paint the last supper by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. I imagine that the Duke wanted it painted in the refractory.
Danny and Gavin T.: The Jerusalem Center is a semester abroad, so about three and a half months. I have linked my blog from the Jerusalem center to this one (on the right, under the archive, if you want to know more about it. Also, the actual JC site is linked - just click on Jerusalem Center in the post :)
Prof. Zappala: I think that our culture has a direct and lasting influence on the arts! Even the article about the Last Supper being supersized attests to this! Traveling is an excellent tool to expand world views, and the internet can be a resource in which we can learn about other cultures. But I also believe that there is much to be gained by actual physical experience.
It amazes me how Jesus Christ's image is remade in the image of each generation's spiritual ideal, drawing Biblical reiterpretation to current social norms. I didn't know the things you wrote, but it's absolutely fascinating to me. I've heard so many stories from the Jerusalem Center that I'm quite nearly pursuaded to go. Please don't write any more about it or I'll break into temptation and do it!
Sarah! Thank you for your incredible insight! That is very neat! I especially enjoyed your insight about Christ being seated at the host's seat and Peter, the leader of the 12 apostles, being seated at the servant's seat. Awesome!
One thing I love about this 'Last Supper' painting is the technical perspective! All the apostles are displaying various identifiable emotions! Even amidst all the beauty and complexity within each emotion, the main point of this painting is clear. My attention is drawn immediately to the center, which is Jesus Christ. I think that is another incredible aspect of this painting!
Thank you for your post! It's great! Can't wait to read more!
Bear: go to the Jerusalem Center - you won't regret it!
Jeffrey: I love that you pointed out the true center of the painting!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I also went to Jerusalem, but sadly never had a chance to experience the triclinium dinner. I don't remember where I first heard about it, but after reading several other blogs about the same subject (especially yours), I decided to create a video that would talk about the seating arrangement of the Last Supper at a triclinium. You might be interested in watching it. You can see it on my blog at: http://redeemer-of-israel.blogspot.com/2012/04/setting-of-last-supper-triclinium.html
By the way, I think you may know one of my friends, Amy (I think she went there at the same time as you). Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts, and especially for recording the talk by Brother Skinner. Brought back good memories of Jerusalem!
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