Laatste Avondmaal 1548

This engraving of The Last Supper was made by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, an artist working in the Netherlands in the 16th century. It depicts Jesus’ final meal with his apostles before his crucifixion, a popular subject throughout the history of Christian art. Here, the moment is charged with tension. The apostles are muscular and agitated, their bodies crowded together around the table. This contrasts with the serene figure of Christ at the center. It's worth remembering that this image was made during the Reformation, when the Catholic Church's authority was being challenged. Coornhert was a key figure in the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, advocating religious tolerance. This image might be seen as a call for unity and reflection in a time of conflict. To understand this work fully, we need to delve into the religious and political history of the Netherlands during the 16th century, examining pamphlets, sermons, and other visual representations of the time. Art is shaped by the society in which it is made, and the historian's role is to uncover these connections.