The Last Supper – Original Painting

Description

The twelve Apostles gather together, unknown to them Jesus has a different plan for this final Passover. He takes the bread and breaks it and gives it to them “this is my Body”. He takes the chalice and gives it to them, “This is my Blood” 

The Apostles are aware something new is happening, and while they may not understand fully until after the Resurrection, they know enough.

This is one of 12 paintings for the Ascension Press program “What We Believe” found here.

Peter, on the right, crosses his arms over his chest in humility, gazing at his Lord’s face. He is ready to even die for Jesus if they come after him, even if Jesus tells him he will deny him three times before morning. 

John, on the left, places a hand over his heart. He who rested upon the breast of Jesus during the last supper was intimately aware of the Heart of God. He gazes, absolutely raptly, at the scene unfolding before him.

James, on the bottom left, with much longer hair than at Pentecost, looks upon the scene with rapt attention and once again folds his hands in prayer. 

The fourth Apostle shown isn’t anyone in particular since Peter, James and John are the only three ever called out by name in situations such as these, but we needed a fourth (and unlike Pentecost, Mary Magdalene wouldn’t work here. This is the priesthood being instituted. Only the Twelve are listed as being present.)

As such, I like to think of this Apostle as Thomas, a hint to his doubt with his pointing finger to the Eucharist. Thomas believed so readily when it was right before his eyes, but struggled when he was only told. So to point Jesus out in the Eucharist is a reminder for me that we can get it when we’re at Mass and still struggle outside of it all. 

——-

Oil paint is slightly transparent, letting light bounce through thinner layers of paint to the the lower layers. The brush strokes, everywhere they are even slightly raised, catch the light, and change throughout the day as the light changes.  The original painting will hold a depth that is not capturable with a print.  There’s no replacing what an original piece looks like, and when you love a piece, it’s always worth it to get the original if possible.

The frame that I’ve shown is a Masterworks Frames handmade, carved, 12 layer frame with hand applied gold leaf in either 12k (silver) or 22k (gold) genuine gold leaf (depending on what is shown in the photos). The frame is solid wood, and thick, I’ve never for an instant wondered if it would break, unlike store bought frames. The corners are filled in for a seamless museum quality finish.

—

If you do want a print instead, click here! You’ll be directed to the canvas print options on Ascension Press’ website. For paper prints, click the “shop now” button on the right, under a photo of the Baptism as a paper print.