The San Marco 'Last Supper' by Domenico Ghirlandaio: A Dominican message.

摘要

The Last Supper fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the guest refectory of the Dominican Convent of San Marco, Florence is typical in its subject matter of refectory decoration during the Renaissance. It has been virtually dismissed in the literature as a copy of Ghirlandaio's fresco of the same subject in the refectory of Ognissanti. But, on closer examination, one finds there are significant differences between the two. This thesis describes those differences, and suggests why they were made.;Ghirlandaio's earlier Last Supper of 1476, at Passignano is shown to be the source for his compositional format, the single-image loggia, employed at both Ognissanti and San Marco, and the heightened contemplative spirit of the San Marco fresco. Located in the foresteria, the image at San Marco proves to embody a message of penitence and piety directed toward the guests of the monastery, the wealthy and powerful members of Renaissance society.