The life of Leonardo da Vinci by John William Brown

The Last Supper - a Critique

For this picture presents to us, in the first place, a design that is pure, noble, and grand;

2ndly, A just and sublime expression;

3rdly, A variety and contrast, both distinct and poetical;

4thly, A simple and beautiful composition, that shows the whole subject;

5thly, A mild "chiaroscuro," in conformity with the character of the subject, which draws the attention towards the principal personage; and 6thly, A perfect union in all its parts : which finally produces the intention of the artist, in impressing the spectator's mind with the sentiments which the subject ought to inspire