Drawing of the Last Supper 1635

This drawing of the Last Supper was made by Rembrandt van Rijn, using brown ink on paper. The thin, fluid ink allowed Rembrandt to create a sense of movement and emotion, even in a preliminary sketch. You can see how the ink bleeds slightly into the paper, creating soft edges and subtle tonal variations. This gives the drawing a sense of immediacy, as if we are witnessing the scene unfold before our eyes. The choice of materials speaks to the practical nature of drawing as a means of visual exploration. Paper and ink are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making them ideal for capturing ideas quickly. However, the artist's mastery transforms these humble materials into something truly extraordinary, revealing the depth of human feeling. By focusing on the materials and making of this drawing, we gain a deeper appreciation for Rembrandt's skill, and it challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.