“The Last Supper” is an artwork by Peter Paul Rubens, created between 1631 and 1632. This oil painting on panel, which later may have been transferred to canvas, measures 304 x 250 cm and is situated within the Baroque movement. It is classified as a religious painting and currently resides in Palazzo Brera in Milan, Italy.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of Christ’s last meal with his apostles before his crucifixion, an event charged with religious and emotional significance. Rubens’s interpretation is characterized by dramatic intensity and a rich, dynamic composition, traits exemplary of the Baroque style. In the center, Christ is the focal point, gesturing and engaging with his disciples, whose reactions range from astonishment to introspection. The play of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures and adds a profound sense of realism to the scene.
Around the table, the apostles are portrayed in various states of conversation and emotional response, suggesting the tumultuous realization of Christ’s impending fate. At the fore, we see a figure who appears detached from the main event, an inclusion that adds depth to the narrative and showcases Rubens’s skill in storytelling through visual means. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the luminosity of Christ’s figure, which is further accentuated by the strategic placement of light and the contrasting darker areas surrounding the group. The use of rich, warm colors, alongside the intricate play of textures and folds in the garments, showcases Rubens’s mastery of the medium and contributes to the overall dramatic effect.
