Posted on 04/07/2010 1:00:43 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Universite de Montreal researchers decode food served in legendary painting
Montreal, March 30, 2010 – The Last Supper – relentlessly studied, scrutinized, satirized and one the world's most famous paintings – is still revealing secrets. Researchers Olivier Bauer, Nancy Labonté, Jonas Saint-Martin and Sébastien Fillion of the Université de Montréal Faculty of Theology have found new meaning to the food depicted by Leonardo Da Vinci's famous artwork.
"We asked ourselves why Da Vinci chose those particular foods, because they don't correspond to what the Evangelists described," says Bauer. "Why bread, fish, salt, citrus and wine? Why is the saltshaker tipped over in front of Judas? Why is the bread leavened?"
The four researchers don't buy into the farfetched hypotheses introduced by Dan Brown in his best-selling book, The Da Vinci Code, yet they agree the artist included symbols and commentary in his depiction. He purposely attempted to confuse and fool the observer with contradictory symbols and double-meanings.
For instance, a fallen saltshaker is traditionally a sign of bad luck. The researchers question if instead of indicating the mischief of Judas, the fallen saltshaker could suggest his rehabilitation. He could have been chosen to play the role of the traitor. And why is he the only one with an empty plate? It could mean he is full and mischievous or that he is the only one who isn't fooled?
The fish has also been the topic of several studies. It is clearly a reminder that Jesus spent most of his life around Lake Tiberias and that he selected his Apostles among local fishermen. Yet it isn't clear whether the fish is herring or eel. Some argue Da Vinci was deliberately ambiguous about the species of fish. Eel in Italian is aringa, although when it is spelled arringa it means indoctrination. And herring in northern Italy is renga, meaning he who denies religion.
The painting continues to fascinate and mystify. Its restoration, which took place between 1979 and 1999, has brought to light new details that along with new technology has spurred a new wave of research and interpretation of one of the world's most famous artworks.
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Correct me if I’m wrong, but would not the women be sitting in chairs behind their men rather than reclining with the men. I am sure that this would be the custom during the time of Tiberius. Rob
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Thanks nickcarraway. |
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“Salt” in the Levant 2000 years ago was often a mineral that contained salt. Humid air would dissolve the salt out of the mix and the result didn’t have the flavor of salt any more.
The Renaissaince and earlier artists painted biblical cenes in clothing and with furnishings and customs more appropriate to the time of the artist.
Do you have any link to that? It seems strange that a people living right by the sea, and in the proximity of a salt-laden dead sea, would have had to rely on adulterated salt. Your explanation is plausible, but a link would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?
It's easy to imagine all of the apostles leaning on their left elbows and a young St John, seated to Jesus' right, leaning back against Jesus' chest so that he can see Christ's face as he speaks.
The *knife* looks as if it was being held by someone not in the picture or perhaps by the older gentleman trying to grope the female.
Why are they drinking out of what appears to be plastic glasses?
Last but not least, that's definitely a women to Jesus’ right. Mary Magdalene
They were actually vegans?
That’s John the Evangelist.
I refuse to think there were guys THAT effeminate in the Bible.
Regard the source: Leonardo.
Oh its well-known as a proven fact. Governement researchers have found after years of study and tests, that salt, like chewing gum , loses its flavor if left on the bedpost overnight.
Not sure about the science of salt dissolving into the air, but assuming that occurred, couldn’t they have salted their fish by just waving it around in the air?
Man, that would save a lot of transportation effort.
Exactly !!!
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