Question

Leonardo da Vinci painted The Last Supper, what does it mean that Christ's head is the point of emphasis in a triangle? I need the answer at least 10 sentence with citation proof.

Answer 1

• In painting the Last Supper, Leonardo created the effect that the room in which Christ and the apostles are seen was an extension of the refectory. This is quite appropriate, since the Last Supper takes up the basic theme (eating) of the purpose of the refectory. The scene shows us figures in a rectangular room with coffers on the ceiling and tapestries on either side of the room.
• As far as the composition is concerned, Christ is in center among the apostles, and his body forms a triangle-like shape which is not overlapped by any apostles. He uses geometry to create a focal point right above Jesus’s head.
• The painting contains a number of allusions to the number 3, perhaps symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The disciples are seated in groups of three; there are three windows, while the figure of Jesus is given a triangular shape, marked by his head and two outstretched arms.
• Jesus himself is the dynamic focal point of the composition. Several architectural features converge on his figure, while his head represents the vanishing point for all perspective lines - an event which makes The Last Supper the epitome of Renaissance single point linear perspective.
• His arms, head and body form a triangle, as well as the space on the left hand side between him and the figure to his left. The disciples are also nicely arranged into groups of three along the length of the table.
• One interesting fact is that there are lines of perspective that radiate from Christ’s head, indicating that he is the focal point of the painting. These perspective lines blend in with the ceiling and walls.
• The painting also makes us feel as if we too are a part of it. This formula has been copied and become the standard for symbolic paintings from then on.
• (The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci;Meaning, Interpretation of Famous Renaissance Fresco Mural Painting)