As the last meal before Jesus’ crucifixion, The Last Supper is an important event in Christianity. That said, it’s no surprise that many artists have attempted to portray The Last Supper. However, its most popular version remains to be Leonardo da Vinci‘s masterpiece. Although it’s a mural painted long ago, it’s still one of the most known paintings of all time. Aside from its technical aspects, many mysteries surround this painting. Find out more about it with The Last Supper facts you never knew about.
"; } else{ var Divad = document.getElementById("divshemedia5"); Divad.classList.add("banner-responsive"); Divad.innerHTML = "
"; }
Quick Facts
Essential Facts
Interesting Facts
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper took 3 years to complete.
- Da Vinci painted The Last Supper from 1495–1498 in Milan.
- The Duke of Milan commissioned the Last Supper in 1494 to place in their family mausoleum.
- The Last Supper has been reproduced many times, but the original size measures 15ft. x 29 ft.
- There have been 7 attempts to restore The Last Supper.
- The Last Supper depicts Jesus’ last meal with his 12 disciples.
- The Last Supper counts as the first celebration of the Eucharist.
- The Old Testament already foretold the Last Supper saying that God Most High will bring bread and wine.
- In 1980, a restoration effort began.
- The painting’s first restoration lasted 19 years.
- Jesus already knew who would betray Him when he announced it during the Last Supper.
- Jesus also predicted Peter’s denial of Him in The Last Supper.
- The Last Supper was mentioned in all four gospels but the Gospel of John had a different account of when it happened.
- The church celebrates the Last Supper on a Holy Thursday.
- You can find groups of 3 apostles in the Last Supper painting as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
- To this day, The Last Supper remains in its original place at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Italy.
- World War II’s vibrations contributed to the damage of the original Last Supper painting.
- Although a restoration effort was successfully made for the Last Supper, most of the original detail got lost along the way.
- The Book of John says that the Last Supper fell on the day of Passover, while the other 3 synoptic gospels claim it happened before the Passover.
- The different dates for the Last Supper result from the apostles using different calendars.
Table of Contents
01 The Last Supper Facts Infographics
02 Da Vinci painted The Last Supper to capture a specific moment.
03 You cannot find the Last Supper in any museum.
04 The Last Supper is not a mainstream art.
05 Da Vinci used his own technique in painting the Last Supper.
06 Most of the brushstrokes from the original Last Supper is gone.
07 A nail and hammer helped Da Vinci achieve The Last Supper's depth.
08 The Last Supper was molded from real persons.
09 There were 12 Apostles in the Last Supper.
10 Earlier paintings of The Last Supper depicted Jesus with a halo in His head.
11 The Last Supper is a symbolic artwork.
12 There are debates on the meaning of fish in the Last Supper table.
13 There are still three copies from the original Last Supper painting today.
14 The Last Supper painting has suffered a lot of damage.
15 You have to book four months ahead to view the Last Supper painting.
16 Viewers of the Last Supper mural have time limits.
17 Da Vinci's Last Supper was the most famous painting depicting Jesus.
18 You can find a pretzel in the Last Supper painting.
19 Mary Magdalene was not at the Last Supper painting.
20 The disciples fell asleep after the Last Supper.
21 The Last Supper painting inspired many things.
"; } else{ var Divad = document.getElementById("divshemedia6"); Divad.classList.add("banner-responsive"); Divad.innerHTML = "
"; }
The Last Supper Facts Infographics
Da Vinci painted The Last Supper to capture a specific moment.
We all know that the painting was Jesus’ last meal with his disciples before he got crucified. However, Da Vinci specifically painted it to depict the apostles’ reactions after Jesus mentioned the betrayal was bound to happen.
If you take a closer look, the painting shows the disciples in varying degrees of shock and rage. The painting also captured the moment before the first Eucharist when Jesus took a glass of wine and bread. Eventually, this practice became a key symbol in the Christian sacraments.
You cannot find the Last Supper in any museum.
The Last Supper is one of the most iconic paintings in the world. Although we may see a replica of it all around the world, the original painting cannot be found just anywhere else. Due to the painting’s delicate condition, it still lies in its original place at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie, a Dominican convent in Milan, Italy.
The Last Supper is not a mainstream art.
Da Vinci completed The Last Supper in 1498 when the early art industry heavily focused on Frescos or mural paintings with water-based paints. One of the least known The Last Supper facts is that it was not actually a fresco.
Although it was painted on a wall, Da Vinci did not follow the fresco technique because of several reasons. For one, frescos would require the painter to rush the work before the plaster could dry. With more attention to detail, Da Vinci wanted to achieve something grander than what the Fresco method may allow.
Da Vinci used his own technique in painting the Last Supper.
Since the fresco technique limited his capacities as an artist, Da Vinci opted to use his own technique, using tempera paints on a stone to prime the wall and eliminate moisture. This base layer helped capture the grander luminosity he was aiming for in the final product.
Most of the brushstrokes from the original Last Supper is gone.
While Da Vinci’s method initially gave his painting a stunning appearance, it did not do much for its longevity. Although the painting became known as one of many firsts in art, historians say that Da Vinci’s tempera method greatly contributed to the painting’s decay.
By the start of the 16th century, the painting was already showing signs of flaking and fading. Before we even knew it, the Last Supper became a ruin of its glory after only 50 years.
A nail and hammer helped Da Vinci achieve The Last Supper's depth.
When painting, your perspective makes or breaks your piece. According to historians, part of the success of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper was its striking perspective. To capture the perfect angles that make up the scene, Da Vinci hammered a nail into a wall and tied the canvas to a string with guided marks.
The Last Supper was molded from real persons.
Technicalities aside, one look at the painting can help you appreciate the vivid and realistic expressions of the apostles. Because of this, some theories have claimed that the apostles’ likenesses were based on real-life people. Some of these theories suggest that Leonardo Da Vinci painted Judas in the likeness of a criminal.
There were 12 Apostles in the Last Supper.
In its simplest description, The Last Supper portrays Jesus and His apostles at a table. The painting featured his 12 apostles: Bartholomew, James the Lesser, Andrew, Peter, Judas Iscariot, John, Thomas, James the Greater, Philip, Matthew, Jude, and Simon.
Earlier paintings of The Last Supper depicted Jesus with a halo in His head.
Like many Biblical events, The Last Supper is one of the most significant imagery for Christians. This is why many artists have also made their own depictions of the Last Supper. One of the least known The Last Supper facts is that many artists painted Jesus with a halo in their renditions.
However, Da Vinci opted not to paint a halo, possibly due to his beliefs. Some historians suggest that Da Vinci’s choice came from believing in nature alone instead of God. As a result, he may have painted everyone as common people.
The Last Supper is a symbolic artwork.
For many years, scholars and historians have studied Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. According to them, the painting teems with symbolism that you can find just about anywhere. For example, you could see salt spilled from its container near the elbow of Judas. According to scholars, Da Vinci may have been portraying bad luck, religion, or loss. On a brighter note, some interpret it as a symbol of Jesus as the salt of the earth.
There are debates on the meaning of fish in the Last Supper table.
Aside from the main subjects, some scholars have tried to interpret the food in the painting. One of the most common debates is whether the fish is an eel or a herring. This is important as the kind of fish also has a symbolic meaning. In Italian, eel translates to aringa, which also means indoctrination.
Additionally, an Italian dialect for herring is renga which can also describe someone denying religion.
There are still three copies from the original Last Supper painting today.
In the early 16th century, three of Leonardo da Vinci’s students made copies of the painting. Da Vinci’s student Giampietrino made the first full-scale copy which can now be found in London’s Royal Academy of Arts.
The second one came from Andrea Solari, which now lies in Belgium’s Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Lastly, the third copy by Cesare da Sesto can be found at the Church of Saint Ambrogio in Switzerland.
The Last Supper painting has suffered a lot of damage.
Aside from its natural decay, The Last Supper has also endured other damages throughout the centuries. In 1652, the construction of a door damaged a big chunk of the artwork, in particular, the feet of Jesus. The wall was further damaged during the 18th century when soldiers made the area into a stable.
You have to book four months ahead to view the Last Supper painting.
One of the coolest The Last Supper facts is that its tickets sell out fast. This just shows how people are still appreciative of art despite the many changes in the world. You can usually secure viewing for around 2–15 Euros. However, you need to get it 4 months before your actual visit, since it’s a hot item all year round!
Viewers of the Last Supper mural have time limits.
Despite many restoration efforts, the painting still remains as a fragile piece of art. In an effort to preserve and slow down the deterioration of the painting, visitors can only view it for 15 minutes in small groups at a time.
Da Vinci's Last Supper was the most famous painting depicting Jesus.
Although many iconic art pieces have depicted religious themes, scholars consider The Last Supper as Jesus’ most famous painting. It’s only right, since Da Vinci specifically designed it to show the posture, expression, and gesture not only of Jesus but also his disciples in the table.
You can find a pretzel in the Last Supper painting.
You’d be surprised to know that there’s a half-eaten pretzel at the table during the Last Supper meal. Although you may think of it as a fairly recent snack, pretzels have been around for ages, even representing spiritual meanings. In the middle ages, people only ate pretzels during Lent’s penitential season. It’s said that Jesus gives the other half of the pretzel to Judas, which reveals how Christ has offered him penance from his sins.
Mary Magdalene was not at the Last Supper painting.
Many speculations suggest that the person meant to occupy the space on Jesus’ left side was Mary Magdalene. Although historians confirm that she was there during the actual event, Da Vinci did not include her in the painting.
The disciples fell asleep after the Last Supper.
Right after their meal, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and lament His crucifixion. Before leaving, He asked His disciples to stay awake for an hour or so to keep watch. However, they all fell asleep.
The Last Supper painting inspired many things.
When the piece was acknowledged as a masterpiece, it garnered so much praise from the public as well as known artists in many fields. This includes Rembrandt van Rijn, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The mural also inspired a lot of interpretations, conspiracy theories, works of fiction, and reproductions.
Although the painting is now in a delicate condition, it has not lessened the appeal of the artwork. Instead, the mystery and debate surrounding it have become a legacy of the painting itself. This is just one of The Last Supper facts that prove how nothing is too old nor too young to be a masterpiece.
FAQs
What secrets are hidden in the Last Supper? ›
Dan Brown proposes two main secrets hidden in this painting: The missing chalice of Christ (the holy grail) and the fact that St. John the apostle was, in fact, Mary Magdalene and that she and Jesus were married.
What are the theories of the Lord's supper? ›The Supper is believed to assure Christians of their salvation and union with Christ, which has been communicated to them in the preaching of the gospel. The Supper is also believed to enhance Christians' union with one another.
What is the theory of the Last Supper? ›The Last Supper was molded from real persons.
Because of this, some theories have claimed that the apostles' likenesses were based on real-life people. Some of these theories suggest that Leonardo Da Vinci painted Judas in the likeness of a criminal.
In 1652, a doorway was added to the wall that holds the painting. Its construction meant that a lower central chunk of the piece—which included Jesus' feet—was lost.
What is the hidden message in the Da Vinci Code? ›' In the novel The Da Vinci Code, and the film that followed, the painting played a critical role, with the story claiming that the figure sitting to Jesus's right is Mary Magdalene, rather than the disciple John. This was said to imply that Mary was 'The Holy Grail.
Can unbelievers take communion? ›Communion is an ordinance to remember the gospel. Communion, therefore, is for Christians, not unbelievers. Christians are baptized followers of Jesus. Therefore, only baptized followers of Jesus should take communion.
What does discerning the body mean? ›The saints represent the body of Christ, so discerning his body means recognizing the reality of the identification of Christ's people with Christ. A narrative in Acts 9 drives the understanding of the unity of Christ with his people home.
What is the difference between the Lord's Supper and the Last Supper? ›Last Supper, also called Lord's Supper, in the New Testament, the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem, the occasion of the institution of the Eucharist.
What is unique about the Last Supper? ›Leonardo's Last Supper (1495–98) is among the most famous paintings in the world. In its monumental simplicity, the composition of the scene is masterful; the power of its effect comes from the striking contrast in the attitudes of the 12 disciples as counterposed to Christ.
Was a woman at the Last Supper? ›Jesus probably included a wider group of disciples than the twelve at the Last Supper, among whom were a number of women. This is reflected in the uneven dynamic between female presence and absence in the Synoptics.
What was removed from the Last Supper painting? ›
In 1652, a new door was cut into the North wall in the room housing The Last Supper which removed the section of the painting with Jesus' feet, and caused much of the paint and plaster to become loose from the wall.
What year was Jesus born? ›The date of birth of Jesus is not stated in the gospels or in any historical sources, but most biblical scholars generally accept a date of birth between 6 BC and 4 BC, the year in which King Herod died.
What are 5 interesting facts about Da Vinci? ›- He didn't go to school. ...
- He liked to dissect corpses. ...
- His masterpiece was destroyed. ...
- He wrote in reverse. ...
- Bill Gates bought Leonardo da Vinci's notebook.
James the Great, whose mouth is opened in astonishment, is sitting on the right next to Jesus, and spreading out his arms as if trying to say to the two disciples behind him, who are attempting to command the attention of Jesus with their eloquent gestures and the way they are pushing forward, that they should be quiet ...
Did Jesus eat at The Last Supper? ›What did Jesus eat at the Last Supper? The gospel accounts tell us that Jesus and his disciples ate bread and drank wine at the Last Supper.
Why is Peter holding a knife in The Last Supper? ›Peter, who sits beside Judas, holds a knife in his right hand, foreshadowing that Peter will sever the ear of a soldier as he attempts to protect Christ from arrest.
Why can't you see Jesus feet Last Supper? ›5) Why Doesn't Jesus Have Feet? Leonardo DID paint Christ's feet, as contemporary copies of The Last Supper show, however, around 1650 someone decided that the refectory needed another door and the only logical spot for said door was right in the middle of that wall.
What does The Da Vinci Code say about Mary Magdalene? ›The companion of the savior is Mary Magdalene. And Jesus loved her more than all the disciples, and used to kiss her often... The rest of the disciples were jealous, and said to him, "Why do you love her more than all of us?''
What is the golden number Da Vinci Code? ›The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion, is a special number (equal to about 1.618) that appears many times in geometry, art, an architecture.
What is the controversy of The Last Supper? ›Controversies surrounding biblical interpretations of the Last Supper include its connection to present-day Mass and its relationship to Passover. Controversies surrounding the Da Vinci painting include the painting's restoration and the presence of Mary Magdalene.
What sins prevent you from taking communion? ›
“Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession,” the Catechism adds.
Who is not allowed to receive communion? ›If a Catholic is conscious of having committed a “grave sin” – for example, divorce or cohabitation with a romantic partner outside of marriage – he or she must first repent and perform penance for that sin before being eligible to receive Communion.
What churches don't take communion? ›The Eastern Orthodox Church is not in Communion with the Roman Church, nor is it in Communion with any Protestant denominational church. Eastern Orthodox Christians are forbidden from receiving Communion in any church other than Eastern Orthodox.
What is the powerful prayer discerning of spirits? ›Help Me To Discern
Today, O God of all days, give me an experience of your heart. Draw me deep into your very being, into the core of your love for me, others, and the world.
Besides thoughts, discernment of spirits can be applied to the judgment of such phenomena as dreams, visions, miracles, prophecies, and other supernatural gifts. In an ideal case, the main tool of discernment could be the person's conscience; however, in the Orthodox view, that relates only to the people of holy life.
What defines a discerning woman? ›If you describe someone as discerning, you mean that they are able to judge which things of a particular kind are good and which are bad.
Which disciple was not at the Last Supper? ›The third major theme is the farewell of Jesus to his disciples, in which Judas Iscariot is no longer present, having left the supper.
What was the prophecy of the Last Supper? ›During the Last Supper, on the eve of his crucifixion, the Bible says Jesus Christ told his disciples, “One of you will betray me.” Attendees of a special Maundy Thursday service on March 29 at Georgetown Presbyterian Church will witness a re-enactment of the disciple's reaction to that statement.
Is Mary Magdalene in the Last Supper? ›At the heart of the controversy is the idea that Mary Magdalene's connection to Jesus was spiritual rather than romantic. For example, in the film's version of the Last Supper, Mary Magdalene is seated on Jesus' right-hand side.
What mystery is the Lord's Supper? ›The Eucharist is the Holy Mystery of the New Testament instituted by Jesus Christ, in which under the species of consecrated bread and wine we receive the Body and the Blood of our Lord as our spiritual food .
Is there a hidden song in the Last Supper? ›
In 2007, a computer technician and musician named Giovanni Maria Pala discovered a hidden melody within da Vinci's “Last Supper.” The melody can be heard in the video featured above. Slow and dirge-like, it could have been a somber soundtrack for the moment when the disciples heard that one would betray Christ.
Is there a holy grail in the Last Supper? ›The Holy Chalice, also known as the Holy Grail, is in Christian tradition the vessel that Jesus used at the Last Supper to serve wine. The Synoptic Gospels refer to Jesus sharing a cup of wine with the Apostles, saying it was the covenant in his blood.
Why is there a door under the Last Supper? ›In the original, Christ's feet have gone walkabout
In 1652, a door was inserted in the lower centre of the fresco so Christ's feet are no longer visible. The Last Supper has been restored 19 times before the most recent conservation work which took 20 years to complete.
To properly participate in the Lord's Supper, we need to be baptized, committed believers who will take an inward look, backward look, and forward look. These three looks can help us to reverently and meaningfully participate in the Lord's Supper.
Who can take communion according to the Bible? ›Communion is an ordinance to remember the gospel. Communion, therefore, is for Christians, not unbelievers. Christians are baptized followers of Jesus. Therefore, only baptized followers of Jesus should take communion.
Is there a door under the Last Supper? ›In 1652, a doorway was cut through the (then unrecognisable) painting, and later bricked up; this can still be seen as the irregular arch-shaped structure near the center base of the painting. It is believed, through early copies, that Jesus' feet were in a position symbolizing the forthcoming crucifixion.
Is there a door in the Last Supper? ›If you've ever been to Milan, Italy and seen Leonardo da Vinci's memorable painting “The Last Supper,” one of the first things you notice is that there's a door cut right into the painting. That wasn't Leonardo's original plan, and it cuts into a significant part of the masterpiece.
What did Jesus sing at the Last Supper? ›The singing of Psalm 118 is incredibly profound when considering the events that were taking place around Jesus and His disciples. It praises God for His goodness and protection.
Has the Holy Grail been found? ›Many historians are skeptical of the latest claim of the Holy Grail's discovery, and there's no evidence that the Holy Grail even exists.
Did the Holy Grail ever exist? ›The Holy Grail – the sacred cup Jesus drank from at the Last Supper – is one of the most well-known symbols in Christianity. It's also one of the religion's greatest sources of myth and mystery. Yet despite the Grail's fame, no one is entirely sure where it is or whether it ever existed.
Who has the Holy Grail now? ›
But do you know that officially recognized by Vatican Holy Grail is housed in its own chapel at the Cathedral of Valencia? Made of oriental agate stone, the Holy Chalice of Valencia is nestled in a transparent reliquary located in the Chapel of the same name within the Cathedral of Valencia.
Why is Peter holding a knife in the Last Supper? ›Peter, who sits beside Judas, holds a knife in his right hand, foreshadowing that Peter will sever the ear of a soldier as he attempts to protect Christ from arrest.
Who is the woman sitting at the Last Supper? ›At the heart of the controversy is the idea that Mary Magdalene's connection to Jesus was spiritual rather than romantic. For example, in the film's version of the Last Supper, Mary Magdalene is seated on Jesus' right-hand side.