The Real Leonardo Continued

But while we have this monumental work in front of us, let’s try to glimpse what Leonardo really meant us to see.

It is Passover, and Jesus joins his apostles for the feast. They have been together for three years now, learning and witnessing the miracles of Christ. Amid the bustle and the chatter of the dinner, Jesus announces, “One of you will betray me.” Leonardo captures this most dramatic moment of the Last Supper. Like a stone dropped in still water, the announcement sends shock waves around the table.

Jesus sits isolated at the table set apart by the rectangular window. His head and arms form a triangle, a reminder that the man you see betrayed is also the second Person of the Trinity. Leonardo separated the figure of Christ from the others so viewers could begin to understand the profound loneliness of Christ as He prepares for His passion.

The two groups of three apostles to the left and right of Jesus react sharply, the first dramatic splash of reaction after Jesus’ words. With the mastery of Leonardo, the gentleness and beauty of John makes a perfect foil for the darkened and distorted features of Judas, the man capable of betraying Christ, and St. Peter with his bristling beard and aggressive manner as he gestures to John to “ask the Master who it is” that will betray Him.

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