The Last Supper, with a Spaniel 1495 - 1505

Giovanni Pietro da Birago created this engraving of the Last Supper around 1500. It depicts Jesus' final meal with his apostles, a scene laden with religious and emotional significance. Note the gestures of shock and disbelief among the apostles as Jesus announces his impending betrayal. These expressions of anguish and bewilderment are powerful in their portrayal of human emotion, connecting to our collective understanding of grief and uncertainty. Even the humble spaniel beneath the table can be interpreted as a symbol of loyalty and domesticity, quietly observing the unfolding drama. The Last Supper is a potent symbol of sacrifice and spiritual communion, resonating with a deep, subconscious understanding of human existence. It's an image that continues to evolve, resurfacing time and again, adapting to new cultural contexts while retaining its core emotional power.