Design Principles - Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
Samuel Keane / 0376236
Design Principles / Bachelors of Design (Honors) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
JUMPLINKS
INSTRUCTIONS
TASK
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo) |
Title: The Last Supper
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Year Created: 1495–1498
Size: 460 cm × 880 cm
Medium: tempera & oil paint, dry wall.
Visual Analysis
1. Observation
The Last Supper is a mural painting made by Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Italian painter from the renaissance era. Commissioned by the Duke of Milan, this painting was painted for three years, from 1495 to 1498 in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The technique used for this painting was very experimental, since instead of using the usual fresco technique, Leonardo painted on a dry plaster using tempera and oil to achieve more detail with longer working time. This, however resulted in faster deterioration.
2. Analysis
Leonardo used symmetrical balance for this painting, creating a composition where Jesus, serving as the focal point so he can be the center of attention on the painting, dividing the 12 apostles into two big groups, dining with Jesus on His left and right side. Leonardo also made an emphasis on The Christ by isolating His figure in the middle. Moreover, the contrast on the windows behind Jesus, further emphasizing His importance in the painting. The way the apostles express themselves and the desaturated colors somewhat help creating a sense of harmony. Unity can also be seen in the painting from the way the figures in this painting was moving. The disciples are divided into groups of 3 with every of the apostle moving and interact in different ways.
3. Interpretation
This mural painting features the last supper Jesus had with his disciples before he was arrested by the Roman soldiers and crucified on a cross. Jesus was drawn with a calm, serene expression which contrasts with the intense reactions of the 12 disciples, emphasizing his awareness of the betrayal and the upcoming sacrifice. His stretched arms create a shape reminiscent of a triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The light around his head also acts like a natural halo, further emphasizing his divinity. The symbolisms were also made pretty clear, like how Peter immediately leans toward John, whispering for answers since John was God's favorite disciple.
"Improving selected artwork" Sketch
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Fig. 2.1, Increased contrast and saturation |
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Fig. 2.2, Poster remake sketch |
For the second idea, I tried to turn this mural into a poster design. Since I think the artwork by itself is very well made already, I decided to make a poster with a very different aesthetic out of it. I decided to write the title big enough to catch the attention of readers, with a subtitle that said "final meal before the betrayal." Also, I will put cropped images of the apostles under the cropped Jesus. I will also emphasize Judas with different color to make him stand out since he was the one who betrayed Jesus. On the bottom, I put Leonardo's name as well as the year the painting was made.
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Fig. 3.3, Graffiti text behind the figures |
FEEDBACK
Week 3
Mr. Fauzi reminded me to insert the image for the painting I analyzed. Also, He gave me a few tips on what to do when I do the sketches for this task.
Week 4
Out of my 3 sketches, Mr. Fauzi prefers my second sketch which has more information overall.
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