The Last Supper, after Leonardo 1764 - 1788

Editor: This is "The Last Supper, after Leonardo," a miniature wax relief by Nathaniel Marchant. It's incredibly small! I'm struck by the contrast between the grand subject matter and the intimacy of the form. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The relief's restricted palette and shallow depth emphasize form and line. Marchant's reduction of Leonardo's complex composition to its barest essentials invites a focused contemplation on the underlying structure. Note how the ovoid format contains and concentrates the narrative. Editor: So, the size and shape contribute to how we experience the artwork? Curator: Precisely. By minimizing distraction, the artist directs our attention to the formal relationships within the composition. The stark whiteness against the dark border isolates the scene. Editor: I hadn't considered how the color and shape contribute to the overall effect. Thank you! Curator: It highlights how an artwork's intrinsic elements create meaning. A valuable lesson, indeed.