Cleveland Museum of Art

Supper at Emmaus

Israhel van Meckenem

Date

c. 1480

Medium

engraving

Culture

Germany

Department

Prints

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In the New Testament, the Supper at Emmaus takes place after Christ’s Resurrection, when two of his apostles invite him—whom they suppose is a pilgrim and stranger—to dine with them. Israhel van Meckenem staged the scene at an inn, where the three are served food and drink. Christ breaks the bread and blesses it, a gesture that reminds the two disciples of the Last Supper. They thus recognize Christ as their resurrected savior. Van Meckenem contrasted the knowing eyes and gestures of the disciples with the indifferent actions of the servants who carry and pour the wine. Artists often use views through rooms to create a sense of perspective. Here, this technique allows the viewer to follow Christ from the garden, to the bridge, and into the inn.

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