The Last Supper / Dieric Bouts / Oil on panel / 1464 AD / 180 x 150 cm / St. Peter's Church, Leuven

"The Last Supper" by Dieric Bouts is the center panel of the Altar of Holy Bread and Wine. This work is one of the first works of Dutch painters who systematically followed the principles of linear perspective. The lines of the main room meet just above Christ's head. The small room to the right of the main room has its own perspective.

This act forms the basis of the ritual of the Last Supper and reflects the interests of the Church of the Holy Bread and Wine in Leuven, which commissioned the work.

Two men in front of the table create space for us to get closer to the stage. Both wearing red clothes are sitting on both sides of a circular metal tray and as if they have created a window for our eyes to enter the space of the painting.

Part of the Last Supper

The right hand of Christ (PBUH) is raised and in his left hand he has unleavened bread for the Mass. On the table in front of him is a chalice, a traditional vessel containing holy wine. Jesus Christ is placed in the center of the painting. Judas appears to be sitting in front of Christ on the left. John "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is shown to the left of Jesus, wearing a white robe with his hands in prayer. Peter is on the right side of Jesus with short gray hair and a beard and slightly red cheeks befitting a fisherman.

Part of the Last Supper

Next to Peter is Andrew, who is shown as an older man with longer hair and beard.

This work is said to be the first depiction of the Last Supper in Nordic art. It is unusual to depict Christ in the form of a priest performing the main ritual of the Christian Church, the blessing of the holy bread of the Eucharist.

Dieric Bouts (January 1, 1415 - May 6, 1475) lived in the early period of Dutch painting and was influenced by painters such as Jan van Eyck and Roheir van der Weyden. His works are mostly about people's faces.