Annunciation to Last Judgement: themes and variations in Christian art – 4. From the Entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper

During the summer of 2021 we are offering a series of linked but separate study days on images from Christian Art. Each day can be booked individually.

The Summer Series will examine the main themes and many ways in which they were interpreted by artists and sculptors from the fourth to nineteenth centuries. We will consider the ways in which artists and their patrons interpreted the texts, not only of the Bible, but also the Revelations of St. Bridget and the fascinating commentaries in The Golden Legend.

Programme for Day 4 – Parts 1 and 2

From The Entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper
The Entry into Jerusalem gives the painters of the early fourteenth century an opportunity to explore crowd scenes and observe and portray emotions and facial types.  Later renderings of the subject are not so frequently found. The Last Supper, perhaps the most important subject in Passion Week leading up to the Crucifixion, is frequently portrayed as a large and dramatic narrative scene. One aspect of the Last Supper, the Washing of the Feet, is often included in fresco cycles of the fourteenth century. Artists or sculptors portraying the Last Supper have to choose between Christ’s highlighting of Judas’ betrayal or a focus on the Eucharist itself. The very important subject of the Last Supper is followed by the Agony in the Garden and the Betrayal, and also Christ’s appearances before the High Priest and Pilate. All provide inspiration for many moving and dramatic depict ions.

Lectures

Part 1
1. The Entry into Jerusalem
2. The Last Supper
Part 2
3. The Agony in the Garden
4. The Betrayal, Christ before the High Priest and before Pilate

Future days

• From Crucifixion to Resurrection – 6 September 2021 (in-person)
• Ascension, Pentecost, Last Judgement – 24 Sep 2021 (in-person)