The Last Supper c. 16th century

Curator: Altdorfer's woodcut, "The Last Supper," presents a familiar scene with stark lines. The small size highlights the intense labor involved in its creation. Editor: It's quite claustrophobic, isn't it? The hatching creates a sense of being enclosed, almost trapped, in this final moment. Curator: Woodcuts like this were relatively inexpensive to produce and distribute, making biblical scenes accessible to a wider audience. Editor: And the architectural details, that window especially, seem to box the figures in, amplifying the tension. How does the material—the wood itself—influence our understanding? Curator: The act of carving the wood is key. Each line, each mark, is a direct result of Altdorfer's hand and labor, bringing a human element to this divine narrative. The prints circulated broadly. Editor: So, mass production of religious imagery allowed for a democratization of faith, pushing against institutional control? It's a powerful commentary, embedded in the grain. Curator: Exactly. This woodcut makes one think about the social function of reproducible images during the Reformation. Editor: This has given me a fresh perspective on the social impacts of art production and how it facilitates the spread of religion.