THE LAST SUPPER - Revisited
Code: lea77-01
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THE
STORY:
Inspired by 3 schools of thought. The first being Da Vinci's famous last supper painting. The second creating it on leather and modernising the approach to detail. The third, to research the text from Matthew 26:29 as recorded in the Bible about the meeting Jesus had with His disciples and what actually transpired in conversation before He went to face His destiny at the hands of those who condemned Him. In researching this story I have realised that Leonardo's much viewed painting has captured the imagination of many but the real story captured in the depiction is lost to the multitudes. This event marked a change in history between heaven and earth and is still being lived out today. The Jesus Leonardo wanted to capture is due to return to this planet in the not to distant future, and as recorded by some of these men in their letters, I to am finding a new excitement at the drama unfolding in current world events and what it is all leading up to.
Creating this work was a physically demanding challenge with attention to detail, constant carving and bevelling leaving my fingers in a regular state of distress from over use. Interestingly I think RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) had not been discovered back then, or at least I had not heard of it.
The Last Supper specifically portrays the reaction of each Apostle (A sent/chosen messenger) when Jesus said one of them would betray Him. All twelve Apostles have different reactions to the news, with various degrees of anger and shock. From left to right: Bartholomew, James, son of Alphaeus and Andrew form a group of three, all are surprised. Judas Iscariot, Peter and John form another group of three. Judas is wearing green and blue and is in shadow, looking rather withdrawn and taken aback by the sudden revelation of his plan. He is clutching a small bag, perhaps signifying the silver given to him as payment to betray Jesus, or perhaps a reference to his role within the 12 disciples as treasurer. He is the only person to have his elbow on the table. Peter looks angry and is holding a knife pointed away from Christ, perhaps foreshadowing his violent reaction in Gethsemane during Jesus' arrest. The youngest apostle, John, appears to swoon Jesus. Apostle Thomas, James the Greater and Philip are the next group of three. Thomas is clearly upset; James the Greater looks stunned, with his arms in the air. Meanwhile, Philip appears to be requesting some explanation. Matthew, Jude Thaddeus and Simon the Zealot are the final group of three. Both Jude, Thaddeus and Matthew are turned toward Simon, perhaps to find out if he has any answer to their initial questions. In the 19th century, a manuscript (The Notebooks Leonardo Da Vinci pg. 232) was found with their names; before this only Judas, Peter, John and Jesus were positively identified.
In common with other depictions of The Last Supper from this period, Leonardo seats the diners on one side of the table, so that none of them has their back to the viewer. Most previous depictions excluded Judas by placing him alone on the opposite side of the table from the other eleven disciples and Jesus or placing halos around all the disciples except Judas. Leonardo instead has Judas lean back into shadow. Jesus is predicting that his betrayer will take bread at the same time He does to Saint's Thomas and James leaning on his left, who react in horror as Jesus points with His left hand to a piece of bread before them. Distracted by the conversation between John and Peter, Judas reaches for a different piece of bread not noticing Jesus too stretching out with His right hand towards it. (Matthew 26: 17-46). The lighting draw attention to Jesus, whose head is located at the vanishing point for all perspective lines.
One significant historic observation in this scene is that these 13 men were all instrumental in fulfilling Gods promise to the whole of mankind which had been foretold many years in advance that He would issue in His planned new covenant. This would open the way for all nationalities to find their way back into His presence, His peace, forgiveness, love and mercy. After thousands of years of being separated from His wonderful love, His wonderful mercy, His wonderful care Jesus had prepared these men to usher in the age we now live in with the promise of His Holy Spirit. This could only happen after Jesus had paid the ultimate sacrifice to satisfy the penalty we are all suffering because our original parents rejection of their makers advice which opened the doorway to the darkness we now see in the world. Tragically, Judas played his part and went down in history as the arch betrayer. Jesus is in heaven now with the other 11 from this scene. 10 being martyred by an unbelievingly, confused and God hating world and 1 died a natural death as an exile after writing the Book of Revelation as instigated by an Angel sent by God. All these men fulfilled their mission and today the seeds sown then still grow today in the hearts of multitudes across all nations as God fulfils His promise that out of many nations He will make one nation for His glory. Even though this scene of Leonardo's is culturally inaccurate in relation to the setting, the "Domain of Meaning" is the same. Jesus was preparing His first disciples of "The God of Gods" new covenant with humanity. Their stories are alive to us today and are being perpetuated daily throughout all nations as the miracles they were gifted to do have been passed on down the generations through the presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all those who choose to take Him at His word and believe. His Kingdom coming of earth as it is in Heaven.
The reason it is called the "Last Supper" is because it was the last meal before Jesus was betrayed in fulfilling Gods plan (to bring to the world He loves His reconciliation plan of the joys of The Kingdom of Heaven on earth) for satisfying the legal demands of Kingdom law. Someone good enough had to pay the price for our foolishness so that we could be reconciled to relationship with the love and affections of our heavenly father. Just after this meal Jesus suffered immense grief and within 3 days the tables had turned when His Father in Heaven raised Him from the dead. It is still hugely disputed today except by those who have taken Him at His word and changed their minds about who He is. Accepting His sacrifice (beyond the natural mans comprehension) they have discovered He is who He says He is and He has revolutionised their lives. This is why it is called the "Good News". Are you aware Jesus never came to create another religion called Christianity to replace all other religions. He a came to bring the Kingdom of Heaven back to earth in all its reality and religious people hated Him for telling the truth because in their hearts were lies, murder, envy, pride, prejudice, fear, self righteousness, slander, gossip, unforgiveness, even adultery and they didnt like being exposed in all theri wrong notions about Heaven’s Kingdom on Earth. He is coming back soon, whether we believe it or not, and for those who love Him it is going to be a glorious day, but not before some terrible troubles which are yet to happen on this earth because of all our combined foolishness.
This was produced in 1977 and has been in the collection of the artist until 2011 when it was refurbished and framed.
As seen above, the stories about the disciples, their names, positions and vocations will be included with the sale documentation.
Awards
:
Status
: ORIGINAL MOUNTED LEATHER WORK FOR SALE
With Authentication
of Sale, ownership details and maintenance information.
Materials
: Leather dyes and acrylics on hand carved cow leather, treated with coachaline (our preferred treatment to retain the moisture content in the leather and keep it looking fresh) and leather varnishes for protection. It is mounted on special feature large particle board..
Size
|
Millimetres |
Inches |
Leather
|
1220
x 760 |
48
x 30 |
Framed
|
1420
x 960 |
56
x 38 |
PRICE
|
POA NZD |
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