Eucharist, Nicolas Poussin (1637)
In the 1630s, Nicolas Poussin crafted one of his most renowned works, the first series of the Seven Sacraments, commissioned by his friend and patron Cassiano dal Pozzo (1588–1657). This series masterfully illustrates the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church: Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, and Extreme Unction. Celebrated for their aesthetic elegance, innovative approach, and the meticulous portrayal of these religious ceremonies within their historical contexts, the paintings stood out in Poussin's oeuvre.
In his representation of the Eucharist, Poussin captures the solemnity of the Last Supper, illuminated by candlelight. Christ is central in the scene, simultaneously holding the bread and cup of wine and bestowing a blessing with his other hand. He reclines at a Roman triclinium, flanked by six disciples on each side, with Judas likely being the second from the left, distinguishable as he is the only one not turned towards Christ. Adding a dynamic element to the otherwise tranquil composition, a shadowy figure is seen withdrawing through an open doorway in the background.
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