DUCCIO di Buoninsegna
(b. ca. 1255, Siena, d. 1319, Siena)

Last Supper (detail)

1308-11
Tempera on wood
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena

The Last Supper is dominated by the central figure of Jesus who, to the astonishment of the onlookers, is offering bread to Judas Iscariot. An unusual experiment with space has been made with John, whose position is traditional: the head of the favourite disciple is painted in front of the figure of Christ, and his halo behind Christ's shoulders. Wooden bowls, knives, a decorated jug and a meat dish, and the paschal lamb, are set on the table, which is covered with a simple tablecloth woven in a small diamond pattern.