Last Supper 1486

Domenico Ghirlandaio, painted this fresco of the Last Supper. During the Renaissance, representations of biblical scenes were often infused with the cultural values and social structures of the time. Ghirlandaio, like many artists of his era, navigates the complex interplay between religious narrative and the social realities of 15th-century Florence. In a society marked by strict hierarchies, gender roles, and economic disparities, depictions of religious figures often mirrored the prevailing power dynamics. The male disciples dominate the scene, reflecting the patriarchal norms that governed both the church and society. The fresco invites us to consider how art not only reflects but also shapes societal perceptions. Ghirlandaio's "Last Supper" captures a pivotal moment in Christian history and encourages us to reflect on the human condition through the lens of faith, doubt, and community.