The Last Supper 1544

This is Léonard Limosin's "The Last Supper," made in 1544. The scene is dominated by the figure of Christ, haloed and raising his hand in blessing or revelation, a gesture laden with the anticipation of the events to come. The table, laden with simple fare, becomes an altar of sorts, a stage for the drama of betrayal and sacrifice. See how the apostles react. Their gestures convey disbelief, denial, and accusation, each embodying a different facet of human response to the divine announcement. The halo, a visual signifier of divinity, has roots tracing back to ancient sun worship, reappearing in various forms across cultures to denote enlightenment or sacred status. Similarly, the gesture of the raised hand, seen in ancient Roman oratory, evolves here into a symbol of divine authority and benediction. It is through these motifs that Limosin not only tells a story but also taps into a deep well of collective memory, engaging viewers on a profoundly emotional level.