During my Spring break, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most famous art pieces in the world, as well as, revisit some of my favorites I had seen earlier in the semester. During my short two days in Milan, my family and I got to stand before The Last Supper painted by Leonardo da Vinci, located in Santa Maria delle Grazie. I concluded my break in Florence with my best friend, where we visited Santa Croce and saw Spinello Aretino’s painting of the Ascent to Calvary. Paintings within churches have been the dominant medium of sharing religious communication during my travels here in Italy. By examining these two paintings, I will investigate how Pope Gregory the Great’s Goethals category is reflected through the telling of Biblical stories and utilization of standardized religious symbols and colors, as well as how these artworks communicate something beyond their facade.
Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Last Supper communicates much more than what appears on the surface. From a broad perspective, the painting depicts the early eucharistic tradition. Diving deeper, the painting portrays the reactions of the 12 apostles after Jesus tells them that one of them is going to betray him, as seen in the book of John. The narrative is presented through the emotions and expressions exuded by each of the apostles which are divided into four different groups, or sections based on their location as well as their expression. Surprised on the left, shocked in the center, and confused on the right, the emotions range across the whole painting. What I found most interesting about the painting is how Jesus is painted in a triangular shape, representing the Holy Trinity. Not only that, but no other man is touching him, setting Jesus apart from everyone else. This separation is also represented through the vibrant colors of his wardrobe and the light from the window behind. Although the painting itself has been renovated many times in hopes to preserve it, the colors remain vibrant as each apostle sports a different color representing a certain emotion. Lastly, religious symbolism is seen within the story, as Jesus’ body is symbolized by the bread and the wine as his blood. He shares the food with the apostles communicating that he is giving his life up for them.
Revisiting Santa Croce in Florence, the Ascent to Calvary by Spinello Aretino caught my eye. The use of color and busyness that consumes the portrait draws the attention away from the main subject, Jesus. He is portrayed very lifeless through the lack of color in his face. This painting reflects a major biblical narrative and history as Jesus carries the cross up to Calvary. Much like the Last Supper, the Ascent to Calvary utlizes color and expression to cultivate emotion in the viewer.
Religious communication has been one of the main subjects of communication seen here in Italy. I have been overwhelmed by the beauty and significance that each painting and sculpture provides, realizing there is so much more than what you see at first.
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