Study for the Last Supper 1495

Curator: Here we have Leonardo da Vinci's "Study for the Last Supper", rendered around 1495. This charcoal drawing, now residing in the Albertina in Vienna, gives us a glimpse into his process. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the figure's expression—a sort of worried pensiveness etched into the face. You can almost feel the weight of what’s on his mind, even in a sketch. Curator: Yes, observe the meticulous layering of charcoal, particularly in defining the contours of the face. It demonstrates a profound understanding of light and shadow—a hallmark of the Renaissance and reflective of his exploration of anatomy and physiognomy through close observation of human subjectivities. Editor: I also like how the hands are clasped so tightly, or even cramped. He feels trapped by something unseen—very dramatic, actually. Curator: Consider also the economics of art at this time. Da Vinci relied on specific materials accessible within his locale. Charcoal was both affordable and pliable, allowing him to experiment and refine his compositions before committing to more costly media like paint. He produced studies of fabrics, body positions, face expressions, which could be shared across different members of the bottega helping with commissioned works. Editor: That's a practical insight. For me, it feels more about this man's inner turmoil—he looks almost desperate for answers. It is moving to consider that in trying to study someone else's emotion, da Vinci was capturing a part of himself. Curator: We must acknowledge the social function served by portraiture at the time—it memorialized individuals, often the elite, embedding them within the collective memory, but through such intense, creative, human process as da Vinci displays here. Editor: I guess, but let's also remember the sheer human feeling radiating from this charcoal drawing—forget the social function of art and observe raw feeling, beautifully and simply put on paper, with masterful technique, of course. Curator: It has been rewarding examining da Vinci's method within this drawing. Editor: Absolutely, and this fleeting glimpse offers a portal to considering deeper things about art, people and life.