Institution of the Eucharist 1640

Nicolas Poussin painted this oil on canvas, ‘Institution of the Eucharist,’ in the 17th century. It depicts the Last Supper, rich with symbolism central to Christian faith. Here, Christ offers bread and wine, symbols of his body and blood, signifying sacrifice and redemption. The disciples, with their varied expressions of awe and supplication, are powerful testaments to the event’s gravity. These gestures echo through art history; consider the raised hands, a universal appeal to divinity found in ancient Roman frescoes and medieval icons alike. The motif of communal eating has deep roots—think of ancient rituals bonding communities through shared sustenance, subtly transformed here into spiritual communion. The chalice, a vessel, reminds us of the Holy Grail legends, endlessly inspiring artists. Poussin masterfully taps into collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The emotional weight of the scene is palpable. This isn't just a historical depiction but a cyclical return to a foundational moment, reimagined through the ages.