Plaque with the Last Supper c. 1530

Jean I Penicaud created this enamel plaque depicting ‘The Last Supper’ sometime in the early 16th century. Penicaud was a master enameller in Limoges, France, a region celebrated for this intricate art form. The image captures the moment when Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him, a moment heavy with tension and emotional complexity. While the scene is biblical, the depiction is deeply rooted in the social and cultural context of the Renaissance. The figures are rendered with a naturalism that reflects the era's focus on humanism, yet they remain archetypes within the Christian narrative. Penicaud’s choice of enamel, a medium known for its durability and luminosity, elevates this moment of religious drama. Notice how the traditional representation of the Last Supper is infused with a palpable sense of human emotion, inviting reflection on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. The opulence and artistry also testify to the cultural and religious values of the time.