Sketch for The Supper at Emmaus 1614 - 1641

Anthony van Dyck produced this oil on panel sketch for The Supper at Emmaus in the 17th century. Van Dyck's interpretation of this scene resonates with the religious and social climate of his time. Flanders, during the 17th century, was deeply entrenched in the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Artists were often tasked with creating works that would reaffirm religious doctrines and inspire faith. Van Dyck, as a leading artist in this milieu, was certainly aware of the expectations placed upon religious art. In this context, his Supper at Emmaus may be viewed as an attempt to render a sacred event in relatable human terms. The painting invites viewers to contemplate the profound implications of Christ's presence within the everyday. By studying the artistic conventions, religious history, and socio-political context of 17th-century Flanders, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex layers of meaning embedded within Van Dyck's sketch.