Leonardo Davinci The Last Supper Essay

The Renaissance is a time period beginning in the thirteenth century C.E. that was defined by changing artistic style, which came to define the era. It was also a period of scientific discovery and growing knowledge. Leonardo DaVinci was one of the greatest artists in the Renaissance period and if we study his works, we can see he embodies both the new art style and incorporates new knowledge in his artwork (Harris) . These two hallmarks emerged in one of his most important paintings, The Last Supper. Through identifying the features of The Last Supper, we can learn about what makes the Renaissance a distinctive stylistic period and demonstrate why DaVinci is a masterful artist of his times.

DaVinci was a unique artist in that he was also deeply involved in other projects and discovery ranging from engineering, writing, and anatomy and general scientific knowledge. His approach within science focused on observation and writing his ideas of the nature of the things he observed. (Wray, P. 100)

In DaVinci’s own writing, he says about light from his studies that it has physical properties and thus understanding these principles he is able to apply knowledge to his work. For example Da Vinci wrote, ”A single and distinct luminous …show more content…
The Last Supper is a mural painted on the dining wall of the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The scene portrays Christ with the twelve apostles during the event know as the last supper. (Harris) This event is known in Christianity for the betrayal of Christ by Judas, and the institution of the sacrament of communion. Da Vinci has filled the painting with symbolism. For example Judas is seen holding a moneybag that represents the betrayal with the exchange for gold coins. Peter holds a knife that belies his cutting off of Christ’s ear