The artwork titled “Study for the Last Supper: James” is a remarkable sketch by the eminent High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, dating to approximately 1495 and crafted in Milan, Italy. Unfolded on a paper canvas using chalk as a medium, the piece measures 19 cm by 14.9 cm. Not merely an independent work, it is a preparatory study, part of the artist’s intricate process in creating his larger, more renowned compositions.
The artwork displays a profile view of a male figure believed to be James, one of the apostles from the biblical Last Supper narrative. The subject’s gaze is directed downward, evoking a contemplative or introspective mood. Leonardo’s use of chalk has enabled him to create a variety of shades and textures, from the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the cheek and neck to the more defined curls of hair. The fine lines and delicate rendering of features illustrate the artist’s acute understanding of human anatomy and his ability to capture emotional subtlety. The sketch embodies the essence of the High Renaissance art movement, which emphasized classical principles of beauty, harmony, and naturalism.
