The Last Supper, from The Large Passion

The Last Supper, from The Large Passion, created by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, is a seminal work of Northern Renaissance printmaking. Executed in 1510, this German print is a masterful woodcut rendered in black ink on cream laid paper. Dürer’s technique revolutionized the woodblock medium, transforming it from a simple, often crude craft into a sophisticated artistic tool capable of profound detail and emotional expression. This piece is one of twelve powerful illustrations comprising Dürer’s monumental series, The Large Passion, which chronicled the life and sacrifice of Christ.

The composition depicts the dramatic moment before the institution of the Eucharist, focusing on the tension following Christ’s declaration that one of his disciples will betray him. The apostles are dramatically clustered around the table, their animated gestures conveying shock, disbelief, and agitation, contrasting sharply with the serene isolation of Christ at the center. Dürer utilizes fine, controlled lines to create volumetric figures and deep shadows, achieving a powerful sense of modeling and chiaroscuro rarely seen in woodcuts of the period.

The mass dissemination of religious imagery through detailed prints was crucial during this era in Renaissance Germany, allowing works by masters like Dürer to reach an extraordinarily wide public audience. The technical brilliance displayed in this woodcut exemplifies the height of graphic arts achieved by the artist. This influential print is preserved today as part of the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and due to its historical significance, high-quality images of this Dürer masterwork are widely available in the public domain for study and appreciation.