Da Vinci’s Interpretation
In The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the artist significantly utilized linear perspective to create a sense of depth and space. Its vanishing point lies at the center, while the focal point is Christ, surrounded by apostles. Implied lines spread from Christ’s head, and the table creates a division, which points up the dichotomy between Him and the apostles (Da Vinci 1495-98). The movement in the painting is subtle but dynamic, and the contrast of dark and light emphasizes the divine nature of Christ. Lastly, the painting has harmonious color relationships.
Rubens’s Painting
In Peter Paul Rubens’s The Last Supper, the author uses a linear perspective allusively, and as a result, there is no clear vanishing point. Christ is the focal point in the painting, with the implied lines used to guide the viewer’s attention to Him. The division created by the table in Rubens’ work is less pronounced. Additionally, the use of movement is dynamic, with figures in animated gestures (Rubens 1630-31). The contrast between light and dark in Rubens’ painting helps bring out Christ’s divine nature, further emphasizing the overwhelming event’s atmosphere. It has vibrant color relationships, a style that Rubens often utilizes.
Tintoretto’s Vision
In The Last Supper by Tintoretto, linear perspective is less precise since one cannot quickly notice the vanishing point. The focal point of the painting is Christ, who is surrounded by the disciples, and the implied lines are used to draw viewers’ attention to Christ. The division created by the table in this painting results in a sense of movement and dynamism.
Additionally, Tintoretto has made movement more pronounced using animated gestures, and the contrast of dark and light highlights the event’s dramatic atmosphere (Tintoretto 1592-94). The color relationship in the painting has hues juxtaposed against dark tones. Compared to the two paintings, Tintoretto’s composition is more complicated due to its dramatic and dynamic depiction of the event.
The effective use of linear perspective, contrast of dark and light, and harmonious color relationships in The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci make it a more classic statement of the Last Supper. On the other hand, Tintoretto’s The Last Supper conveys a stronger sense of emotion than the other two paintings due to dynamic movement, dramatic foreshortening, and juxtaposition of hues against dark tones, which evoke emotion.
References
Da Vinci, Leonardo. The Last Supper. 1495-98. Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan. Web.
Rubens, Peter Paul. Last Supper. 1630-31, Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan. Web.
Tintoretto, Jacopo. Last Supper. 1592-94, Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice. Web.