Question

What was going on politically that affected Leonardo da vinci's and Tintoretto's Last Supper to turn out different?​

Answer 1

Political Context in Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

• During the time when Leonardo da Vinci was painting his Last Supper scene in the late 15th century, Italy was in a state of political turmoil. The country was divided into city-states, each with its own ruler, and there were frequent conflicts and power struggles between them. The city of Milan, where da Vinci created his painting, was ruled by the powerful Sforza family. Da Vinci was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, to paint the Last Supper scene in the refectory of the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The painting was intended to be a symbol of the Duke's power and a tribute to his family's patron saint, Saint Ambrose.

Influence of the Political Context on Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

• The political context in which da Vinci created his painting influenced its style and meaning. Da Vinci's Last Supper was a symbol of the power of the Sforza family. The painting's composition and use of perspective were intended to create a sense of depth and realism that would impress viewers and reinforce the Duke's authority. Da Vinci's attention to detail and his use of light and shadow added to the painting's sense of drama and emotional intensity. The political context of the time helped to shape da Vinci's approach to his subject matter and his use of artistic techniques.

Political Context in Tintoretto's Last Supper

• When Tintoretto painted his Last Supper scene in the late 16th century, Italy was still politically divided, but the power dynamics had shifted. The country was now under the control of foreign powers, including the Spanish and the Austrians. Venice, where Tintoretto created his painting, was a republic ruled by a council of nobles. Tintoretto was commissioned by the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a charitable organization in Venice, to paint the Last Supper scene in their meeting hall. The painting was intended to be a religious symbol and a tribute to the organization's patron saint, Saint Roch.

Influence of the Political Context on Tintoretto's Last Supper

• The political context in which Tintoretto created his painting also influenced its style and meaning. Tintoretto's Last Supper was a religious symbol and a tribute to a charitable organization in a republic ruled by a council of nobles. The painting's diagonal composition and dramatic lighting were intended to create a sense of movement and tension that would impress viewers and convey the emotional intensity of the scene. Tintoretto's use of color and brushwork added to the painting's sense of drama and expressiveness. The political context of the time helped to shape Tintoretto's approach to his subject matter and his use of artistic techniques.