Salvador Dali Last Supper
February 4, 2009 Surrealistic Meeting Salvador Dali drew the picture“The Sacrament of the Last Supper”in 1955. This painting has quite a bit of emotion as you look and see how the apostles are kneeling. This image was created to show the futurism in the resurrection of Christ. Futurism rejects the traditional form and include art into modern technology. In this painting the most significant detail in this portrait, would be the spirt above the table in form of the cross. This figure is Jesus sprit rising out of him the night before he was going to be crucified.
Everyone at the table see this spirt floating out of him and that is why they are bowing their heads. Along with this spirt rising, the large windows in the background, Dali seemed to want all the heavens see what is going on during this meal. Salvador Dali’s picture is a totally different setting than the original painting of the last supper. Dali’s is set in a peaceful table with bright sun that is showing happiness and the bright future of everyone at the table. With the mountains covered in snow the setting must be cold but the people in the picture look very warm with just their light robes on while praying.
Dali’s picture shows the man rising above the table must be the spirit of Jesus leaving his body the night before he was crucified. The arms reaching over the people at the table show his power, strength and desire to protect the loyal ones. The Jesus at the table is in torn clothes, symbolizing a struggle during the day. He looks at peace, like he is ready for his punishment the next day. Out stretched arms of his spirit means he is floating up to the heavens, so the only thing left is just his body or shell. The other people at the table are praying for his spirit and giving thanks for the bread and wine he left them on the table.
On the left arm of Jesus is a dove sitting on his hand that symbolizes the calmness of the situation. His right hand, with the fingers that look like they are pointing to the spirit rising above shows the world that his spirit will not be stopped no matter what they do with his shell he will live on. This surrealistic setting is the sign that Dali is portraying Jesus as a wonderful peaceful man. He is facing his ordeal with courage and dignity. He looks to be telling his people not to morn and not to hate for what is about to happen. Letting everyone know to keep faith in him and all will be well in the future.
The sun shining through the clouds indicates the day is calm and warm even though the mountains have snow in them, It seems Jesus is assuring them that he will keep them all warm with his heart. There is a boat on the shore and that must mean someone with wealth and power showed up for the supper, it might belong to the one person that is in the gold robe. The setting of this background might be a place by Dali’s home or a place where he wanted to live. The big wooden beams and stone dining area proves this is a strong place and built to withstand anything.
The arms of Jesus spirit are going through the beams and must mean that nothing is as strong as the spirit of Jesus. This surrealistic setting is the sign that Dali is portraying Jesus as a wonderful peaceful man. He is facing his ordeal with courage and dignity. He looks to be telling his people not to morn and not to hate for what is about to happen. Letting everyone know to keep faith in him and all will be well in the future. This painting has a very peaceful and serene theme as shown by the mountains, and the calm face of Jesus.
