Het Laatste Avondmaal. Detail uit paneel rechtsonder
PID
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The Last Supper. Detail from bottom right side panel

By
Dieric Bouts
Collection
Photographer
Dominique Provost
License

About this artwork

The Last Supper by Dieric Bouts, an absolute masterpiece, is undoubtedly the most important highlight of Saint Peter's Church. Moreover, with the exception of The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus, it is the only artwork by a Flemish Master which, 600 years after it was painted, still hangs in exactly the same place for which it was intended. Painted between 1464 and 1468, the work was commissioned by the Fraternity of the Blessed Sacrament. Bouts was assisted by two theologians from the (recently founded) University of Leuven to create a completely new representation of The Last Supper. And it was an unparalleled success! Like a director, he transports Jesus and his Apostles to a contemporary setting, 15th-century Leuven. If you look closely, through the window on the left you will see the Grote Markt in Leuven during the building of the town hall. Another striking element is Jesus' hand blessing the bread. This is the most important moment in the scene and it is therefore the central focus of the painting. As is customary in Bouts' works, the figures in the scene looks almost like unmoved actors. Although they are physically present, they appear unmoved and unemotional. It is this typical style that led Bouts to be called "the painter of silence".

About the artist

About the collection

The Last Supper. Detail from bottom right side panel
Photo number
0050303014
Inventory number
S/58/B
The Last Supper. Detail from bottom right side panel
Photo number
0050303014
Inventory number
S/58/B
The Last Supper. Detail from bottom right side panel
Photo number
0050303014
Inventory number
S/58/B