Artwork Page for Supper at Emmaus

Details / Information for Supper at Emmaus

Series Title: The Passion

Supper at Emmaus

c. 1480

Israhel van Meckenem

(German, c. 1440–1503)
Culture
Germany
Medium
engraving
Measurements
Sheet: 21 x 14.7 cm (8 1/4 x 5 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1924.512
Catalogue raisonné
Hollstein 153.V; Lehrs IX.164.153
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

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.

Description

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.
A vertically oriented print in black ink depicts a room where six figures gather. Four men cluster at a table; the central one gestures with raised hands. To the left, a woman balances a platter, and a man in the foreground carries two vessels. A stone archway reveals three figures before a castle, and a small window shows two figures in a landscape. Extensive hatching creates deep shadows throughout the scene.

Supper at Emmaus

c. 1480

Israhel van Meckenem

(German, c. 1440–1503)
Germany

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