The Last Supper

The Last Supper by Albrecht Dürer, dating from 1509-1510, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. Executed as a woodcut on laid paper, this work demonstrates the technical innovation and narrative power achieved by German artists during the period spanning 1501 to 1550. Dürer, already internationally renowned for his engravings, consistently elevated the woodcut medium from a simpler illustration technique to a highly expressive art form. This piece captures the dramatic moment of Christ’s revelation, differentiating it from earlier, often static, representations of the biblical scene.

While many of Dürer’s contemporary depictions of the event focused on the institution of the Eucharist, the composition here emphasizes the emotional turmoil immediately following Christ's announcement of the betrayal. The apostles are rendered with intense psychological detail, reflecting Dürer’s commitment to naturalism and dynamic arrangement. The density of line achieved through the complex woodcut process creates deep shadows and rich texture, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in large-scale prints during this era. The enduring popularity and wide distribution of Dürer’s prints solidified his reputation throughout Europe as a master graphic artist.

This influential work remains a cornerstone of the artist's graphic output. It is classified as a fundamental example of the German High Renaissance and resides today in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of the age and enduring influence of the work, high-resolution reproductions of these classic prints are widely accessible through public domain collections, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study the detailed execution of Dürer's revolutionary approach to the woodcut medium.