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The Last Supper — Reading Comprehension

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This passage introduces students to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic fresco, The Last Supper, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Students will learn about the historical context of its creation in Milan, the fresco technique, Leonardo's revolutionary use of perspective, and the dramatic depiction of human emotion among Jesus and his disciples. The reading challenges students to analyze primary sources and reflect on how the painting's composition and setting reflect broader Renaissance themes. Activities include a quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline. All content is aligned with CA HSS 7.8 and CCSS RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.4, and the passage is available with read-aloud audio and Spanish translation for accessibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Leonardo da Vinci's fresco known as The Last Supper is one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance. Painted between 1495 and 1498, this mural covers a dining hall wall in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. The painting captures a key moment from the Christian tradition: the final meal that Jesus shared with his twelve disciples before his arrest. Leonardo's work is famous not only for its religious theme but also for its dramatic composition, detailed emotional expressions, and ground-breaking use of perspective.

The scene shows the instant after Jesus tells his followers that one of them will betray him. Leonardo groups the disciples into four sets of three, each reacting with surprise, disbelief, or concern. The artist paid close attention to gesture and facial expression, making each disciple's emotions clear and unique. For example, Peter looks angry, John appears shocked, and Judas clutches a small bag, hinting at his role as the betrayer. This focus on realistic human emotion was new for the time and set a standard for Renaissance art.

Leonardo experimented with the fresco technique by using both oil and tempera paints on dry plaster, rather than the traditional wet plaster. While this allowed for more detail and brilliant color, it also made the painting fragile. Over centuries, the artwork suffered damage from humidity, war, and even attempts to widen the doorway beneath it. Efforts at restoration have tried to save Leonardo's masterpiece, but only about 20% of the original paint remains today. Early descriptions by visitors and copies made by Leonardo's students, such as the 16th-century painter Giampietrino, help historians understand how the fresco originally looked.

The Last Supper is also famous for its use of linear perspective. Leonardo created the illusion of depth by making all the lines in the room point toward a single spot—Jesus’s head—at the center of the composition. This draws viewers’ eyes to the main figure and creates a sense of unity. The arrangement of figures and the realistic setting reflect Renaissance beliefs in order, balance, and humanism. The painting's survival through centuries of change—including the Napoleonic Wars and World War II—shows its lasting importance.

Today, The Last Supper remains a symbol of both religious faith and artistic innovation. It connects viewers to a moment of human drama and creativity from over 500 years ago. The painting continues to inspire artists, historians, and millions of people around the world.

Interesting Fact: During World War II, the convent housing The Last Supper was bombed, but the wall with the painting survived, protected by sandbags.

This masterpiece connects to broader themes in world history, such as the rise of Renaissance ideas, the blending of art and science, and the enduring power of human expression.

Who painted The Last Supper?

Leonardo da VinciMichelangeloGiampietrinoRaphael

Where is The Last Supper located?

FlorenceRomeMilanVenice

When was The Last Supper completed?

1505149814801512

Why did Leonardo use linear perspective?

To make Jesus stand outTo add more colorTo show the outsideTo hide mistakes

What effect did dry plaster have on the fresco?

It lasted longerIt became fragileIt was easy to moveIt made it smaller

How did historians learn about the original painting?

Old descriptions and student copiesPhotographsWritten stories onlyNewspaper articles