c. 1592~94, 366*569cm
It is an idiosyncratic version of the Last Supper, the meal
commemorated every time the Euchrist (Holy Com-
munion)
is celerated. Little is shown of the interaction between the Apostles (we
have to look hard to find Judas, usually a focal point). Tintoretto's
one interest is in the gift of the Euchrist, and although many
things are happening around this miracle, with cats, dogs,
and servants included in the scene, all is insubstantial except
for Christ and the Food of Heaven. There is a feeling that
only Christ is truly real. Angels flicker and fade in the flashes
of His glory, and human presence takes on some sort of nebulous
coherence only when haloed with holy brightness. There is not a
moment's pretence of realism, only of underlying and sacred
meaning. We either take this to heart or find it too intense.
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