The Last Supper 

Giulio Benso created this drawing of The Last Supper using pen and brown ink with brown wash. Notice the strong horizontal line of the table bisecting the composition. This divides the earthly realm of the apostles from the divine suggestion of angels above. The somewhat chaotic arrangement of figures creates a sense of drama and narrative tension. Benso uses the contrast of light and shadow to direct our eyes, focusing on the emotional reactions of the apostles. The artist employs a semiotic language of gestures and expressions. Each figure embodies a specific reaction to Christ's announcement. The drawing can be seen not just as a religious scene, but also as a study of human psychology and group dynamics. The formal qualities of line and shadow in this drawing function as a means to explore complex themes of faith, doubt, and human relationships.