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Primary sourcePaintingc. 1495-1498

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci · c. 1495-1498

A large wall painting by Leonardo da Vinci showing Jesus and his twelve apostles reacting to the news that one will betray him.

A major mural commission that shows Leonardo's experimental technique and his work for the Sforza court.

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Mural painting of the Last Supper showing Jesus seated at the center of a long table with twelve disciples in groups of three on either side, with bread and dishes on the table. Coffered ceiling and windows visible in the room.
Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, c. 1495-1498. Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.

About this source

What it is

The Last Supper is a mural painted by Leonardo da Vinci around 1495-1498 on the wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It was commissioned by his patron, Duke Ludovico Sforza, and shows the Gospel scene of Jesus announcing that one apostle will betray him.

Why it matters

Leonardo used an unusual, experimental technique instead of standard fresco, which let him work slowly and revise the painting but caused it to decay badly over time. The work shows his interest in capturing individual human emotion and reaction in a single dramatic moment.

Look closer

  • How does each apostle's pose or face show a different reaction to the news?
  • Why might Leonardo have chosen an unusual painting method, even though it would not last as well?
  • What does this commission tell you about Leonardo's relationship with his patron, Ludovico Sforza?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Leonardo da Vinci and Jesus Christ on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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