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Ghirlandaio painted the scene of the Last Supper on several occasions within the space of a few years. In all three works of his that still remain (in the abbey of San Michele Arcangelo a Passignano in Tavernelle Val di Pesa, near Florence, in the Ognissanti in Florence, and in the San Marco, Florence), the basic arrangement is the same as that in the fresco by Andrea del Castagno in the Florentine Cenacolo di Sant'Apollonia dating from about 1450. The disciples are sitting at a long table in front of a rear wall that runs parallel to the picture plan. Christ is sitting in the centre, and His favourite disciple John is leaning sadly against Him. To the right of Christ, in the place of honour, is the chief Apostle, Peter. Judas the traitor is the only one to be separated from the others: he is seated in front of the table.
Summary of works by Ghirlandaio |
1. Early works (1471-73) |
2. Stories of St Fina at San Gimignano (1473-75) |
3. Frescoes in Florence and Rome (1480-84) |
4. Last Supper scenes |
5. Decoration of the Sassetti Chapel (1482-85) |
6. Frescoes in the Tornabuoni Chapel (1486-89) |
7. Panel paintings |
8. Adoration of the Magi (1488) |
9. Drawings |
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