'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is one of the most appreciated masterpieces in the world. This religious mural painting has as a mayor theme to represent the Christian event known as the Institution of the Eucharist. One can appreciate many elements of design in da Vinci's painting. For example, da Vinci uses mostly geometric shapes to represent the windows behind Jesus, the doors behind the apostles, and the ceiling. Next, lines are all over the painting, like in the borders of the table and its cover, and many curved lines depict the apostles' clothing.

Also, color in this painting represents the different clothes wore by the apostles and Jesus himself. Color also helps the viewer to see the outside world through the windows behind Jesus. In addition, da Vinci uses simulated texture in a couple of places, like the ceiling, the clothes, and the table cover. Those spots on the painting look quite real and touchable. Finally, there is a constant rhythm in the ceiling.

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The viewer can also perceive various principles of design in The Last Supper. For example, right away, it is obvious that the center of attention is Jesus, especially because there is a lot of movement created by the apostles' faces and positions that make the viewer focus on Jesus. Also, the painting is extremely balanced because if it was to be fold with Jesus in the middle, it would fit almost perfectly. Da Vinci's work produces a strong feeling of peace on the people who get a chance to see it, not only because of the event that is taking place, but because it is so well balanced and the colors used make good contrasts.

Repetition is used very little in the ceiling, and the doors; meanwhile, the brush strokes are not that important for the painting neither. Leonardo da Vinci painted The Last Supper because Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, asked him to do so. So it is really not known of how da Vinci felt about his painting. The combination of elements and principles of design make this painting one of the most beautiful in the world. Its balance, emphasis, and movement make its subject so obvious that makes the painting very appealing. The Last Supper is also the root of many controversial issues regarding the Catholic Church.