What Is the Meaning of the Last Supper Painting?

The Last Supper, one of the common Christian images, depicts Jesus Christ's final meal with his apostles the night before his crucifixion.

Origins

Narratives of the Last Supper event are found in all four gospels: Matthew 26:20-29, Mark 14:17-25, Luke 22: 15-20 and John 13:1-17:26.

Significance

According to Christian theology, at the Last Supper Christ instituted the Eucharist, in which Christians receive the body and blood of Jesus under the forms of bread and wine.

Identification

The Last Supper shows Jesus with his apostles seated at a dinner table. A wine cup or chalice and a loaf of bread are always prominent in the scene.

Function

In churches, paintings or carvings of the Last Supper serve as a visual link between what the clergy does today at the altar or Communion table and what Christ did approximately 2,000 years ago.

Theories/Speculation

Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code, has led some readers to believe that the long-haired individual on Christ's right is Mary Magdalene. In fact, it is John the Apostle. An artistic convention that predated da Vinci by centuries called for John to be portrayed as young and handsome with shoulder-length hair.

References

• An Introduction to the New Testament; Raymond E. Brown; 1997
• New Testament Notes: Last Supper
• Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art; James Hall; 1979

Resources

• The Last Supper