Description
Book Synopsis: A picture universally recognized, endlessly scrutinized and described, incessantly copied, adapted, lampooned: does Leonardo’s near-ruined Last Supper still offer anything new to be seen or to be said? This book is a resounding Yes to both questions. With direct perception — and with attention paid to the work of earlier scholars and to the criticism embodied in the production of copyists over the past five hundred years — Steinberg demonstrates that Leonardo’s mural has been consistently oversimplified.
This most thought-out picture in Western art, painted in the 1490s on the north wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, is a marvel of compressed meanings. Its subject is not one arrested moment, but successiveness and duration. It is not only Christ’s announcement of the forthcoming betrayal, but in equal measure the institution of the Eucharist. More than the spur of the moment animates the disciples, and more than perspective determines their housing.
Though Leonardo’s geometry obeys all the rules, it responds as well to Christ’s action at center, as if in emanation from the prime mover. The picture is simultaneously narrative and sacramental. As its protagonist is two-natured — as the twofold event of this night is both human submission and divine dispensation — so the entire picture is shown to have been conceived as double: a sublime pun.
Meanwhile, the unending disagreement as to what exactly is represented, what the depicted actions express, how and where this assembly is seated — all these still raging disputes are traced to a single mistaken assumption: that Leonardo intended throughout to be “unambiguous and clear,” and that any one meaning necessarily rules out every other.
As Steinberg reveals an abundance of significant interrelations previously overlooked, Leonardo’s masterpiece retains the freshness of its initial conception and the power to fascinate.
Details
Leonardo’s Incessant Last Supper (Zone Books) is not just another book about a famous painting. It is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex meanings and hidden depths within Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece. Unlike other works on the subject, this book goes beyond the oversimplified interpretations and unveils the true richness and brilliance of the Last Supper.
With meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, author Steinberg brings to light the intricate symbolism and profound narrative of Leonardo's mural. He shows us that this painting is not merely a snapshot of a single moment, but a portrayal of successive events and enduring significance. It captures not only Christ's announcement of betrayal, but also the establishment of the Eucharist, making it a truly multi-layered work of art.
Leonardo's Last Supper is more than just a composition of figures in perspective; it is an orchestrated masterpiece where every element serves a purpose. Steinberg's analysis reveals the interconnectedness and double-meanings that have eluded previous scholarship. Through his insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound intentions behind Leonardo's artistic choices.
Despite centuries of debate and disagreement, Steinberg dispels the misconception that Leonardo intended his painting to be unambiguous and clear. Instead, he demonstrates that ambiguity and multiplicity of meanings were deliberate, creating a sublime and thought-provoking experience for the viewer. By peeling back the layers of misconceptions, this book breathes new life into Leonardo's masterpiece, allowing you to see and appreciate it in a whole new light.
If you are an art enthusiast, historian, or simply curious about one of the most iconic works of Western art, then Leonardo’s Incessant Last Supper is a must-read. Discover the hidden depths and fresh perspectives offered by this groundbreaking book. Uncover the secrets of Leonardo's masterpiece and be captivated by its timeless allure. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the heart of Leonardo's genius! Get your copy now.
Discover More Best Sellers in Religious
Shop Religious
The Gita: Mewari Miniature Painting (1680-1698)
$29.00
Religious - The Gita: Mewari Miniature Painting (1680-1698)
Full of Grace: Encountering Mary in Faith, Art, and Life
$7.35
Religious - Full of Grace: Encountering Mary in Faith, Art, and Life
Drama & Beauty: Great European Paintings from the Bob Jones Collection
$21.99
Religious - Drama & Beauty: Great European Paintings from the Bob Jones Collection
Art on the Jesuit Missions in Asia and Latin America, 1542-1773
$54.59
Religious - Art on the Jesuit Missions in Asia and Latin America, 1542-1773
$10.97
Religious - Delight in the Word of God, Volume 1 - Favorite Scriptures: A Devotional Coloring Book and Journal for Adults (JoDitt Designs Creative Faith Bible Verse Art Journaling and Lettering)
