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The Last Supper, stained glass panel, Netherlandish, c.1600
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The Last Supper, stained glass panel, Netherlandish, c.1600
Stained and painted glass with enamel
Height: 190mm
Width: 155mm
Width: 155mm
Museum number: SG123
On display: Shakespeare Recess
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
Christ sits at the back of the table, his hands widespread, while St John lolls asleep in front of him. The apostles on either side draw back and others are grouped behind and to the sides. In front, two apostles sit facing each other, one with his hands raised as if in disputation, the other resting his right foot on his left knee. Altogether, nine of the apostles can be seen clearly, the other three are mainly obscured by the leaded edges of the panel. Green drapery hangs behind Christ's head setting off his golden halo. The table has simple mats and small vessels and a plate with a cooked animal on it. The figures are drawn with simple outlines and the enamel paints applied with little shading. This is an unsophisticated everyday workshop product.
There are many variants of this scene and Popham thought that this example may be after Heemskerck, 1580, but in fact it does not correspond well with any of his known designs and the bright enamels suggest a rather later date.
There are many variants of this scene and Popham thought that this example may be after Heemskerck, 1580, but in fact it does not correspond well with any of his known designs and the bright enamels suggest a rather later date.
Literature
A Description of the Residence of Sir John Soane, Architect. Limited edition published privately, London 1835 p. 57: In the window [of the Shakespeare Recess] are ten compartments of ancient Painted Glass, among which are the Annunciation, the Prodigal Son, the Raising of Lazarus, the Last Supper, St Peter, St Paul, St Andrew and St Matthias. Plate XXXII
Catalogue of the Stained Glass in Sir John Soane's Museum, Special Issue of the Journal of Stained Glass 2004, p. 265
Catalogue of the Stained Glass in Sir John Soane's Museum, Special Issue of the Journal of Stained Glass 2004, p. 265
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk