The Last Supper Why the Prediction of Betrayal Essay

The Last Supper was painted circa 1495 by Leonardo Da Vinci, and commissioned under Ludovico Sforza for the Dominicans of Santa Maria delle Grazie. From the beginning, the painting was considered a masterpiece and therefore, Leonardo was praised time and again for the technical aspects of his masterpiece. Vasari, the first man to write a book of artists biographies, exclaimed, a Last Supper, a most beautiful and marvelous thing; and to the heads of the Apostles he gave such majesty and beauty, that he left the head of Christ unfinished, not believing that he was able to give it that divine air which is essential to the image of Christ. Vasari, like most was entranced by the beauty of Leonardos technique. Even today, most of the books†¦show more content†¦The Dominicans were part of a religious order known as the Mendicants. The Mendicants were officially founded in 1209 and the Dominicans were established shortly after that in 1216. Like all Mendicants, the Dominicans took v ows of poverty. This meant that they renounced all personal and communal property. In other words, they were not allowed to own any property and were completely dependant upon the generosity of others. The Dominicans dedicated their lives to imitating the work of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The Dominicans were also among the first (after Jesus Christ) to literally bring Jesus to the people. Instead of secluding themselves like many other sects, the Dominican friars would walk the streets among all the common people and provide them with the piety that was needed for salvation. Converting and fighting against heretics was an important mission for the Dominicans. They strived to educate many Jews and Muslims about the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their motto was To contemplate and give others the fruit of contemplation (Dictionary of the Middle Ages, 243). In order to educate others, one must in return be well educated. Therefore, Dominican friars were very well educated; especially in the fields of Theology and Philosophy. This type of effective piety was a new, innovative way of worshiping. The imitation of the apostolic life gives meaning to the Last Supper. The continuation of the architecture of the room brings the viewer into theShow MoreRelatedThe Life Of Jesus Christ And Paul The Apostle3824 Words   |  16 Pagessearching for Jesus. They searched Jerusalem for three days and found Jesus in the temple courts. He was learning from the teachers. Everyone was amazed at His curiosity and wisdom. His parents asked why he had defied them by staying in Jerusalem without their knowledge. Jesus answered, â€Å"Why were you searching for me? He asked. â€Å"Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?† (Luke 2:49). Baptism John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Jesus prayed during His baptism and the