The Last Supper, from Speculum passionis domini nostri Ihesu Christi 1507

Hans Schäufelein created this woodcut of the Last Supper as part of his "Speculum passionis domini nostri Ihesu Christi," sometime in the early 16th century. Schäufelein was working in Nuremberg at a time when printed books and images were becoming increasingly common. Woodcuts like this one allowed for the relatively inexpensive reproduction of religious scenes. This particular image, with its stark black and white lines, emphasizes the solemnity of the moment while also reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the Northern Renaissance. The Last Supper was a popular theme in art history, but Schäufelein's interpretation is unique in its simplicity and focus on the emotional reactions of the disciples, whose gestures and expressions convey a range of emotions from shock to disbelief. Art historians often consult period sources, such as religious treatises, sermons, and other artworks, to better understand the cultural and religious context in which this image was created. By doing so, we can appreciate how art both reflects and shapes the beliefs and values of its time.