Exit from the Last Supper 

Alexander Ivanov created this preliminary drawing, Exit from the Last Supper, in the 19th century, a time of great social and political upheaval in Russia. Ivanov, deeply religious, was seeking new forms to depict biblical scenes. Here, notice the emotional tenor of the scene. The gathering, dominated by male figures, is framed by the looming presence of the divine, seemingly solidifying social hierarchies. Yet, look closer. The women present, though relegated to the margins, display a deep emotional response, suggesting their own understanding and connection to the divine event. Ivanov may be subtly challenging the strictly patriarchal interpretations of religious narratives. This work, by capturing a pivotal, emotional moment after the Last Supper, invites us to reflect on the personal and communal dimensions of faith, hinting at the shifting spiritual and social landscapes of 19th-century Russia.