Laatste Avondmaal 1510 - 1550

This is an anonymous engraving of the Last Supper, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Its composition is dominated by a stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through meticulous use of line and hatching. Notice how this technique not only defines the figures and architectural space but also imbues the scene with a dramatic tension. The figures are densely packed, arranged around a table that acts as a visual and thematic center. The artist employs linear perspective, directing our gaze towards the central figure of Christ, who is subtly highlighted by a halo. The texture of the stone walls and the drapery of the figures' robes are rendered with remarkable detail, adding a tactile quality to the scene. The deliberate use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, but also serves a symbolic function, evoking spiritual depth and the weighty atmosphere of the biblical event. This engraving invites us to contemplate the interplay between form and content, where artistic technique amplifies the emotional and narrative power of the subject.