Jesus and St John (detail from the Last Supper) Fresco, c.1480 by Ghirlandaio, Domenico (1449-1494)
This poignant image of Jesus with a sleeping St John, and the betraying Judas at table is a detail from the monumental wall painting of the Last Supper located in the refectory of San Marco in Florence, Italy. The refectory, or dining hall for monks and friars, in this case invited the gaze of the Dominican friars and their guests, when also at table. Domenico Ghirlandaio was one of the most popular Florentine Renaissance artists of his time. The San Marco example is one of three Last Supper frescoes painted by the artist, the others being for the Badia di Passignano and for the Convent of the Ognissanti. The layout of the supper scene presents the apostles sitting in a shallow U-shaped room, reflecting the shape of the actual refectory in San Marco. John the Apostle is characteristically at Christ’s left and has fallen asleep. Judas Iscariot, by contrast, sits apart on the near side of the table, as is common in early depictions of this biblical event. The bright yellow garment worn by Judas is a traditional symbol of cowardice and deceit. Jesus raises his right hand as he gazes down to John the beloved. Judas, on the other hand, presents an unfocused gaze and ambivalent gesture of the hand. This moment of contemplation reflects upon the words of Jesus: “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” (Matthew 26:17-30).
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