LEONARDO da Vinci
(b. 1452, Vinci, d. 1519, Cloux, near Amboise)

Study for the Last Supper

1494-95
Red chalk on paper, 260 x 392 mm
Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice

This sheet is one of the most remarkable drawings to have been connected with Leonardo. The composition is strongly reminiscent of the Last Supper. One thing there is total agreement about, however, is that the stiff figures were not drawn by Leonardo. But it is possible that he produced preliminary sketches of some of them and that they were drawn by a student. Whatever the case, the mirror writing is a sign that Leonardo used this piece of paper.