The artwork titled “Study for the Last Supper” is a celebrated piece by Leonardo da Vinci, an eminent figure of the High Renaissance. Da Vinci executed this work as a preparatory sketch for his renowned mural “The Last Supper.” Drawn circa 1494, the piece is created with ink on paper and measures 26.6 cm by 21.4 cm. It serves as an insightful window into the artist’s creative process, reflecting the genre of sketches and studies. The artwork is presently housed in the Accademia Gallery in Venice, Italy, and was originally created in Milan, Italy.
The artwork displays a collection of sketches that demonstrates da Vinci’s meticulous planning for the composition of “The Last Supper.” At the top, a rough outline of the Last Supper scene can be discerned, depicting Jesus Christ and his disciples gathered at a long table. The arrangement of figures showcases various states of motion and interaction, indicative of Leonardo’s talent in capturing human expression and dynamic group composition.
Below the main sketch, geometric studies and smaller figurative drawings can be seen. These elements underscore Leonardo’s well-known interest in mathematics and his investigation of proportion, which played essential roles in his artistic endeavors. Interwoven with the artistic content, the sheet also features handwritten notes, presumably by da Vinci himself, which adds to the historical and academic value of the artwork by offering direct insight into the intellectual pursuits and considerations of one of the epoch’s most multifaceted geniuses.
