The Geometry of the Last Supper
@geometrylastsupper.bsky.social
Uncover the hidden mathematical beauty behind Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece – at the intersection of art, geometry, and symbolism.
The Triangle
Whether the posture of Jesus, with his arms open before him, was intended to represent a triangle is debatable. There are plenty of good reasons to depict Christ in such a stance. It conveys a sense of calm and inner authority which contrasts sharply with the agitation of the disciples
Whether the posture of Jesus, with his arms open before him, was intended to represent a triangle is debatable. There are plenty of good reasons to depict Christ in such a stance. It conveys a sense of calm and inner authority which contrasts sharply with the agitation of the disciples
November 10, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The Triangle
Whether the posture of Jesus, with his arms open before him, was intended to represent a triangle is debatable. There are plenty of good reasons to depict Christ in such a stance. It conveys a sense of calm and inner authority which contrasts sharply with the agitation of the disciples
Whether the posture of Jesus, with his arms open before him, was intended to represent a triangle is debatable. There are plenty of good reasons to depict Christ in such a stance. It conveys a sense of calm and inner authority which contrasts sharply with the agitation of the disciples
Three centres for The Last Supper?
With the presentation of Brachert’s grid in the last mini-series, things seem at first to get a little out of hand.
📐 In effect, the composition has three different centres:
•The centre of the grid itself
•The vanishing point
•The centre of the pediment
With the presentation of Brachert’s grid in the last mini-series, things seem at first to get a little out of hand.
📐 In effect, the composition has three different centres:
•The centre of the grid itself
•The vanishing point
•The centre of the pediment
November 4, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Three centres for The Last Supper?
With the presentation of Brachert’s grid in the last mini-series, things seem at first to get a little out of hand.
📐 In effect, the composition has three different centres:
•The centre of the grid itself
•The vanishing point
•The centre of the pediment
With the presentation of Brachert’s grid in the last mini-series, things seem at first to get a little out of hand.
📐 In effect, the composition has three different centres:
•The centre of the grid itself
•The vanishing point
•The centre of the pediment
Book Talk: The Geometry of the Last Supper
I'm thrilled to announce I'll be giving a talk at the All Good Bookshop (North London) on Friday, 28th November at 7.30pm.
Join me to uncover the hidden beauty behind Leonardo’s masterpiece.
Grab your ticket here 👇
allgoodbookshop.co.uk/order-items/...
I'm thrilled to announce I'll be giving a talk at the All Good Bookshop (North London) on Friday, 28th November at 7.30pm.
Join me to uncover the hidden beauty behind Leonardo’s masterpiece.
Grab your ticket here 👇
allgoodbookshop.co.uk/order-items/...
Ticket for BOOKTALK: The Geometry of The Last Supper by Raphael Mouterde, Fri 28th Nov
Ticket for BOOKTALK: THE GEOMETRY OF THE LAST SUPPER by Raphael Mouterde, 28th Nov. Doors 7 for 7.30pm start. Have you ever stopped to consider what goes into a painting beyond what you can see? Welco...
allgoodbookshop.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Book Talk: The Geometry of the Last Supper
I'm thrilled to announce I'll be giving a talk at the All Good Bookshop (North London) on Friday, 28th November at 7.30pm.
Join me to uncover the hidden beauty behind Leonardo’s masterpiece.
Grab your ticket here 👇
allgoodbookshop.co.uk/order-items/...
I'm thrilled to announce I'll be giving a talk at the All Good Bookshop (North London) on Friday, 28th November at 7.30pm.
Join me to uncover the hidden beauty behind Leonardo’s masterpiece.
Grab your ticket here 👇
allgoodbookshop.co.uk/order-items/...
The Grid #6
The grid acts as a structural framework for the proportions of the entire scene. It dictates the placement of key elements: the dining room’s walls, the ceiling, the back wall, the table and the floor. It also informs the positioning of the tapestries on either side of the composition.
The grid acts as a structural framework for the proportions of the entire scene. It dictates the placement of key elements: the dining room’s walls, the ceiling, the back wall, the table and the floor. It also informs the positioning of the tapestries on either side of the composition.
October 26, 2025 at 8:53 PM
The Grid #6
The grid acts as a structural framework for the proportions of the entire scene. It dictates the placement of key elements: the dining room’s walls, the ceiling, the back wall, the table and the floor. It also informs the positioning of the tapestries on either side of the composition.
The grid acts as a structural framework for the proportions of the entire scene. It dictates the placement of key elements: the dining room’s walls, the ceiling, the back wall, the table and the floor. It also informs the positioning of the tapestries on either side of the composition.
The Grid #5
The median is the horizontal line of the grid that runs through its centre.
In The Last Supper, the median of Brachert's grid aligns with the heads of all the protagonists but one. Judas, the one who will betray Jesus, is the only person whose face falls below the line.
The median is the horizontal line of the grid that runs through its centre.
In The Last Supper, the median of Brachert's grid aligns with the heads of all the protagonists but one. Judas, the one who will betray Jesus, is the only person whose face falls below the line.
October 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
The Grid #5
The median is the horizontal line of the grid that runs through its centre.
In The Last Supper, the median of Brachert's grid aligns with the heads of all the protagonists but one. Judas, the one who will betray Jesus, is the only person whose face falls below the line.
The median is the horizontal line of the grid that runs through its centre.
In The Last Supper, the median of Brachert's grid aligns with the heads of all the protagonists but one. Judas, the one who will betray Jesus, is the only person whose face falls below the line.
The Grid #4
There is a wave-like motion running through the disciples. Those closest to Jesus express the most intense emotions, in stark contrast to the figures at the far ends of the table. The amplitude of this emotional "wave" is highest near Jesus and gradually flattens as it stretches out.
There is a wave-like motion running through the disciples. Those closest to Jesus express the most intense emotions, in stark contrast to the figures at the far ends of the table. The amplitude of this emotional "wave" is highest near Jesus and gradually flattens as it stretches out.
October 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The Grid #4
There is a wave-like motion running through the disciples. Those closest to Jesus express the most intense emotions, in stark contrast to the figures at the far ends of the table. The amplitude of this emotional "wave" is highest near Jesus and gradually flattens as it stretches out.
There is a wave-like motion running through the disciples. Those closest to Jesus express the most intense emotions, in stark contrast to the figures at the far ends of the table. The amplitude of this emotional "wave" is highest near Jesus and gradually flattens as it stretches out.
The Grid #3
Jesus just said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
The range of emotions Leonardo portrays in the aftermath is astonishing. The multiplicity of reactions are counterbalanced by the serene presence of Jesus. A sense of order and harmony arises from the composition
Jesus just said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
The range of emotions Leonardo portrays in the aftermath is astonishing. The multiplicity of reactions are counterbalanced by the serene presence of Jesus. A sense of order and harmony arises from the composition
October 12, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The Grid #3
Jesus just said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
The range of emotions Leonardo portrays in the aftermath is astonishing. The multiplicity of reactions are counterbalanced by the serene presence of Jesus. A sense of order and harmony arises from the composition
Jesus just said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
The range of emotions Leonardo portrays in the aftermath is astonishing. The multiplicity of reactions are counterbalanced by the serene presence of Jesus. A sense of order and harmony arises from the composition
The Grid #2
The 12-by-6 grid proposed by art historian Thomas Brachert in 1971 commands the architectural space in which the emotionally charged scene of The Last Supper unfolds.
As we saw in a previous post, the tapestries align with the grid, and each side wall spans exactly four units in width.
The 12-by-6 grid proposed by art historian Thomas Brachert in 1971 commands the architectural space in which the emotionally charged scene of The Last Supper unfolds.
As we saw in a previous post, the tapestries align with the grid, and each side wall spans exactly four units in width.
October 8, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The Grid #2
The 12-by-6 grid proposed by art historian Thomas Brachert in 1971 commands the architectural space in which the emotionally charged scene of The Last Supper unfolds.
As we saw in a previous post, the tapestries align with the grid, and each side wall spans exactly four units in width.
The 12-by-6 grid proposed by art historian Thomas Brachert in 1971 commands the architectural space in which the emotionally charged scene of The Last Supper unfolds.
As we saw in a previous post, the tapestries align with the grid, and each side wall spans exactly four units in width.
The Grid #1
Following the evenly spaced beams of the ceiling in The Last Supper, art historian Thomas Brachert overlaid a 12-by-6 grid onto an image of the painting, revealing an underlying framework that could have informed Leonardo da Vinci’s compositional choices.
Following the evenly spaced beams of the ceiling in The Last Supper, art historian Thomas Brachert overlaid a 12-by-6 grid onto an image of the painting, revealing an underlying framework that could have informed Leonardo da Vinci’s compositional choices.
September 29, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Grid #1
Following the evenly spaced beams of the ceiling in The Last Supper, art historian Thomas Brachert overlaid a 12-by-6 grid onto an image of the painting, revealing an underlying framework that could have informed Leonardo da Vinci’s compositional choices.
Following the evenly spaced beams of the ceiling in The Last Supper, art historian Thomas Brachert overlaid a 12-by-6 grid onto an image of the painting, revealing an underlying framework that could have informed Leonardo da Vinci’s compositional choices.
The Last Supper is like a snapshot. The instant painted by Leonardo da Vinci corresponds to John 13:21: ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me’. Peter, leaning behind Judas, gets John’s attention and whispers in his ear, ‘Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.’
#TheLastSupper
#TheLastSupper
September 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The Last Supper is like a snapshot. The instant painted by Leonardo da Vinci corresponds to John 13:21: ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me’. Peter, leaning behind Judas, gets John’s attention and whispers in his ear, ‘Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.’
#TheLastSupper
#TheLastSupper
The hypothesis of a hidden purpose driving the composition of the door and two windows gains momentum as we note that the proportions of the windows are in fact related to the proportions of the door. When we place the two windows side by side, we find that they fit perfectly into the doorframe!
August 9, 2025 at 7:12 AM
The hypothesis of a hidden purpose driving the composition of the door and two windows gains momentum as we note that the proportions of the windows are in fact related to the proportions of the door. When we place the two windows side by side, we find that they fit perfectly into the doorframe!
The discovery of perspective was a breakthrough which revolutionised the visual arts. One was could now draw objects receding into the distance with accuracy.
The idea is to sketch a checkerboard consisting of converging lines (orthogonals) and an array of parallel horizontal lines (transversals).
The idea is to sketch a checkerboard consisting of converging lines (orthogonals) and an array of parallel horizontal lines (transversals).
July 29, 2025 at 8:32 AM
The discovery of perspective was a breakthrough which revolutionised the visual arts. One was could now draw objects receding into the distance with accuracy.
The idea is to sketch a checkerboard consisting of converging lines (orthogonals) and an array of parallel horizontal lines (transversals).
The idea is to sketch a checkerboard consisting of converging lines (orthogonals) and an array of parallel horizontal lines (transversals).
1/Above the door, a semi-circular pediment is faintly visible—its edges softened by the deterioration of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
Interestingly, the center of the circle that defines its outer edge is not aligned with the vanishing point of the perspective. Instead, it sits slightly higher.
Interestingly, the center of the circle that defines its outer edge is not aligned with the vanishing point of the perspective. Instead, it sits slightly higher.
July 24, 2025 at 10:04 AM
1/Above the door, a semi-circular pediment is faintly visible—its edges softened by the deterioration of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
Interestingly, the center of the circle that defines its outer edge is not aligned with the vanishing point of the perspective. Instead, it sits slightly higher.
Interestingly, the center of the circle that defines its outer edge is not aligned with the vanishing point of the perspective. Instead, it sits slightly higher.
Here is a close up of the vanishing point in the Last Supper.
Where would you say it falls: on the ear of Jesus?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #SymbolismInArt #Geometry #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
Where would you say it falls: on the ear of Jesus?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #SymbolismInArt #Geometry #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
July 16, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Here is a close up of the vanishing point in the Last Supper.
Where would you say it falls: on the ear of Jesus?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #SymbolismInArt #Geometry #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
Where would you say it falls: on the ear of Jesus?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #SymbolismInArt #Geometry #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
Did you know that in the Last Supper, the corners of the windows are inscribed within the ray of perspective suggested by the tapestries?
How much does this elegant design touch us, I wonder...
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
How much does this elegant design touch us, I wonder...
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Did you know that in the Last Supper, the corners of the windows are inscribed within the ray of perspective suggested by the tapestries?
How much does this elegant design touch us, I wonder...
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
How much does this elegant design touch us, I wonder...
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #GeometryInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
Reposted by The Geometry of the Last Supper
Study for the Last Supper https://www.wikiart.org/en/leonardo-da-vinci/study-for-the-last-supper-1
June 27, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Study for the Last Supper https://www.wikiart.org/en/leonardo-da-vinci/study-for-the-last-supper-1
Reposted by The Geometry of the Last Supper
Head of St. James the Less https://www.wikiart.org/en/leonardo-da-vinci/head-of-st-james-the-less
June 28, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Head of St. James the Less https://www.wikiart.org/en/leonardo-da-vinci/head-of-st-james-the-less
Reposted by The Geometry of the Last Supper
Heads of Sts Thomas and James the Greater https://www.wikiart.org/en/leonardo-da-vinci/heads-of-sts-thomas-and-james-the-greater
July 1, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Heads of Sts Thomas and James the Greater https://www.wikiart.org/en/leonardo-da-vinci/heads-of-sts-thomas-and-james-the-greater
Famously, there aren’t any tiles on the floor of the Last supper. The powerful illusion of perspective relies predominantly on the four tapestries hanging on either side and the coffered ceiling.
#renaissanceart #leonardodavinci #geometryinart #TheLastSupper #ArtHistory
geometrylastsupper.com
#renaissanceart #leonardodavinci #geometryinart #TheLastSupper #ArtHistory
geometrylastsupper.com
July 2, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Famously, there aren’t any tiles on the floor of the Last supper. The powerful illusion of perspective relies predominantly on the four tapestries hanging on either side and the coffered ceiling.
#renaissanceart #leonardodavinci #geometryinart #TheLastSupper #ArtHistory
geometrylastsupper.com
#renaissanceart #leonardodavinci #geometryinart #TheLastSupper #ArtHistory
geometrylastsupper.com
The beautiful cloister behind Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, where The Last Supper lives.
#ArtHistory
#LeonardoDaVinci
#TheLastSupper
#RenaissanceArt
#Geometry
#GeometryInArt
#SymbolismInArt
#ArtHistory
#LeonardoDaVinci
#TheLastSupper
#RenaissanceArt
#Geometry
#GeometryInArt
#SymbolismInArt
June 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The beautiful cloister behind Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, where The Last Supper lives.
#ArtHistory
#LeonardoDaVinci
#TheLastSupper
#RenaissanceArt
#Geometry
#GeometryInArt
#SymbolismInArt
#ArtHistory
#LeonardoDaVinci
#TheLastSupper
#RenaissanceArt
#Geometry
#GeometryInArt
#SymbolismInArt
Geometry isn’t just math — it’s Leonardo’s visual language.
My new book examines how geometry guides the drama, theology, and symmetry of The Last Supper.
Published by Matador (UK).
#SacredGeometry
My new book examines how geometry guides the drama, theology, and symmetry of The Last Supper.
Published by Matador (UK).
#SacredGeometry
June 14, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Geometry isn’t just math — it’s Leonardo’s visual language.
My new book examines how geometry guides the drama, theology, and symmetry of The Last Supper.
Published by Matador (UK).
#SacredGeometry
My new book examines how geometry guides the drama, theology, and symmetry of The Last Supper.
Published by Matador (UK).
#SacredGeometry
Such beauty!
From this viewpoint (our eyes are below the centre of the mural), you would swear that the vanishing point is above Jesus' head.
In fact, it is situated just below his temple.
#TheLastSupper #leonardodavinci #geometry #renaissance
From this viewpoint (our eyes are below the centre of the mural), you would swear that the vanishing point is above Jesus' head.
In fact, it is situated just below his temple.
#TheLastSupper #leonardodavinci #geometry #renaissance
June 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Such beauty!
From this viewpoint (our eyes are below the centre of the mural), you would swear that the vanishing point is above Jesus' head.
In fact, it is situated just below his temple.
#TheLastSupper #leonardodavinci #geometry #renaissance
From this viewpoint (our eyes are below the centre of the mural), you would swear that the vanishing point is above Jesus' head.
In fact, it is situated just below his temple.
#TheLastSupper #leonardodavinci #geometry #renaissance
I couldn’t have found the geometry of the Last Supper without this book: Cathédrales, Le Verbe Géométrique.
A masterful geometrical study of the facades of 4 French cathedrals: Amien, Reims, Rouen and Strasbourg.
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #geometry #symbolism #art
A masterful geometrical study of the facades of 4 French cathedrals: Amien, Reims, Rouen and Strasbourg.
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #geometry #symbolism #art
April 18, 2025 at 8:58 PM
I couldn’t have found the geometry of the Last Supper without this book: Cathédrales, Le Verbe Géométrique.
A masterful geometrical study of the facades of 4 French cathedrals: Amien, Reims, Rouen and Strasbourg.
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #geometry #symbolism #art
A masterful geometrical study of the facades of 4 French cathedrals: Amien, Reims, Rouen and Strasbourg.
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #geometry #symbolism #art
Close call
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Today missed being Easter by 22 minutes.
Gregorian Calendar’s definition: First Sunday after the first Full Moon after the March Equinox. If the Full Moon had occurred 22 minutes earlier, landing yesterday (GMT), then today would have been that first Sunday.
Today missed being Easter by 22 minutes.
Gregorian Calendar’s definition: First Sunday after the first Full Moon after the March Equinox. If the Full Moon had occurred 22 minutes earlier, landing yesterday (GMT), then today would have been that first Sunday.
April 13, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Close call
Here is the key to the composition of the Last Supper!
From the centre of the grid, follow Jesus' open arms and draw a triangle of base 4.
The rotation of its sides will open everything up.
Can you see how?
geometrylastsupper.com
#LeonardoDaVinci #Art #Geometry #Renaissance #Painting #Booksky
From the centre of the grid, follow Jesus' open arms and draw a triangle of base 4.
The rotation of its sides will open everything up.
Can you see how?
geometrylastsupper.com
#LeonardoDaVinci #Art #Geometry #Renaissance #Painting #Booksky
March 21, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Here is the key to the composition of the Last Supper!
From the centre of the grid, follow Jesus' open arms and draw a triangle of base 4.
The rotation of its sides will open everything up.
Can you see how?
geometrylastsupper.com
#LeonardoDaVinci #Art #Geometry #Renaissance #Painting #Booksky
From the centre of the grid, follow Jesus' open arms and draw a triangle of base 4.
The rotation of its sides will open everything up.
Can you see how?
geometrylastsupper.com
#LeonardoDaVinci #Art #Geometry #Renaissance #Painting #Booksky