The Last Supper

The Last Supper by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a powerful example of German Renaissance graphic arts, executed as a woodcut in black on ivory laid paper in 1523. This print captures the dramatic moment of Christ revealing his imminent betrayal to the twelve apostles.

Dürer, recognized as the preeminent master of the medium, used the dramatic contrasts inherent in the woodcut technique to intensify the emotional reactions of the figures. Unlike his earlier treatments of the subject, this later 1523 version, produced during the height of the Reformation, subtly shifts the composition. While retaining the focus on the moment of revelation, Dürer reflects evolving theological priorities in contemporary Germany by centering the scene on the institution of the Eucharist, visually emphasizing the sacramental nature of the final meal.

The careful handling of light and shadow highlights the tense interaction between Christ, seated centrally, and the surrounding apostles. Dürer’s meticulous draughtsmanship, visible even within the robust constraints of the wood block, elevates the work beyond mere illustration. The prolific creation and distribution of high-quality prints like this one ensured the wide circulation of Dürer’s iconic compositions throughout Europe, making him arguably the most famous German artist of his era.

This historically significant artwork from 1523 remains a landmark study in emotional intensity and technical skill in the printmaking tradition. The original print of The Last Supper is preserved within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a critical reference for the study of Renaissance graphic art.