The Last Supper 1423

Il Sassetta, Stefano di Giovanni, painted *The Last Supper* around the 15th century, employing tempera on wood. The composition is structured into three distinct vertical panels, unified by a series of arches and a consistent palette of muted reds, blues, and browns, evoking a contemplative mood. Giovanni skillfully uses line and color to guide the viewer's eye across the scene. The figures, arranged symmetrically around the table, are defined by strong outlines and flat, almost decorative color fields. The architecture of the arches frames the scene, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. Giovanni's flattening of perspective and simplification of form serve a symbolic function. The painting emphasizes the spiritual significance of the event. By reducing the scene to its essential elements, Giovanni invites us to look beyond the literal and contemplate the deeper meanings embedded within the narrative. This formal choice reflects the period's broader interest in conveying theological truths through art.