The Bible in Pictures

Tintoretto turns the table until it runs diagonally into the dark. A lamp flares under the ceiling, angels form out of its smoke, and servants go on working in the foreground. It is one of his last pictures.

The painting hangs on the side wall of the chancel of San Giorgio Maggiore. Seen from the altar rail, at an angle, the long table seems to continue the real space of the church. Opposite hangs Tintoretto's Gathering of the Manna.

The oil lamp throws flames and smoke, and the smoke turns into transparent angels.

The oil lamp throws flames and smoke, and the smoke turns into transparent angels.

Christ, his halo the second light of the picture, gives the bread to a disciple with his own hand.

Christ, his halo the second light of the picture, gives the bread to a disciple with his own hand.