The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci was painted at the height of the Italian Renaissance. This painting depicts the last meal Jesus had with his disciples before he was crucified. In this moment Jesus had just told his disciples that one of them will betray him, which is Judas. So, all the disciples are looking around and wondering who will betray him. Judas is painted in darker colors. The emotions of the disciples of fear and curiosity are really well shown. Some are protesting others are sad. Judas is seen reaching for the same plate as Christ and also holding the bag of money he received as a reward for telling the Romans where Jesus is. Peter holds a knife to show that he will cut the ear off of a soldier.
Christ's body forms an equilateral triangle. He is sitting below an arched pediment that forms a perfect circle if completed. The Renaissance valued ideal geometric forms. Geometric forms are very perfect so by surrounding Christ with these DaVinci is trying to show that Jesus is the embodiment of heaven. In the background there are lush mountains symbolizing a paradise that can be reached through Christ. The apostles are arranged in groups of three and there are also three windows. The number three represents the Holy Trinity. DaVinci covered the wall with a double layer of dried plaster to create greater luminosity. DaVinci also used the one-point linear perspective which is right over Jesus’ head. All the geometric techniques used help to emphasize the power of Jesus and his sacrifice. The emotions on the faces of the disciples contrast with the calmness and submission of Jesus. His calm presence actually makes him more powerful because it shows his bravery and reliance on God.