The Last Supper - Marcantonio Raimondi

A fine engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, based on a design by Raphael, depicting the biblical Last Supper with classical precision.

This engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi depicts the biblical scene of the Last Supper. Raimondi, a figure of great influence in the development of printmaking, worked closely with Raphael in Rome. This specific composition is based on a design by Raphael, demonstrating the collaborative nature of artistic production during the Italian Renaissance. The print captures the moment of high drama as Christ sits at the centre of the table, surrounded by the twelve apostles.

The architectural setting is defined by a series of columns and a large window, which provides a view of a distant, simplified exterior. The figures are arranged in a linear fashion along a long table, a common convention for this subject matter. Raimondi employs a sophisticated system of hatching and cross-hatching to model the drapery of the garments and the musculature of the figures, creating a sense of volume and weight. The lines are precise and controlled, reflecting the technical mastery required for copperplate engraving.

Unlike the more famous mural by Leonardo da Vinci, which focuses on the psychological reaction of the apostles to the announcement of betrayal, this version maintains a more formal and balanced arrangement. The figures are rendered with a focus on classical proportions and clarity of form. The inclusion of subtle details, such as the vessels on the table and the tiled floor, adds to the spatial depth of the scene. This work provides an insight into how Renaissance compositions were disseminated across Europe through the medium of the print. It remains a clear example of the technical precision that defined Raimondi's career and his role in translating the monumental works of his contemporaries into a portable, reproducible format for a wider audience.