The Last Supper, from The Passion of Christ, plate 5 1664

"The Last Supper," plate five from "The Passion of Christ," was created by Grégoire Huret using engraving techniques. This monochromatic print employs a dense network of fine lines to create a scene filled with dramatic chiaroscuro. The composition is structured around a central table, drawing the viewer's eye to the figure of Christ. Huret uses line and shadow to model the figures, emphasizing their emotional states through posture and facial expression. The use of perspective flattens the scene, pressing the figures against the picture plane and creating a sense of immediacy. Consider the broader historical context, as Huret engages with the themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and faith, but also with artistic and philosophical concerns of representation and space. The meticulous detail and structured composition invite us to decode its visual components and cultural codes, leading to ongoing interpretation.