The Last Supper 1759 - 1769

Jean-Honoré Fragonard created this etching of the Last Supper. Here, we see an intimate interpretation of a well-known biblical scene, filtered through the lens of 18th-century French artistry. Fragonard, working in a society of strict hierarchies, often infused his art with a sense of personal emotion. Unlike traditional depictions of the Last Supper, which emphasize formality and divine solemnity, Fragonard’s version feels informal. The setting appears domestic, and the characters are rendered with a casual humanity, highlighting the interpersonal dynamics. Note how the artist uses the etching technique to create a sense of movement and immediacy. What might this imply about Fragonard’s vision of the apostles and Christ? Ultimately, this work transforms a monumental, spiritual event into something more personal, reflecting a broader societal shift towards valuing individual emotional experiences.