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Arts Criticism

Student'

University

Course

Instructor'

Dates
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Arts Criticism

As a critic, you need complete access to and comprehend the arts. According to Martin &

Jacobus (2018), a good art critic takes the time to investigate and shed light on artists' work. Art

appreciation and evaluation get a boost from the efforts of critics. Art critics may be categorized

into three broad camps: those who focus on description, those who focus on interpretation, and

those who focus on evaluation (Martin & Jacobus, 2018). Each of these factors contributes in its

unique way to revealing the true nature of an artwork. The commentaries of a descriptive critic,

an interpretative critic, as well as an evaluative critic on Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper

would all have to be placed within their respective contexts.

Descriptive Critic

According to Martin & Jacobus (2018), Leonardo de Vinci's artwork The Last

Supper depicts Jesus' last dinner. The picture represents Jesus sitting at a table with his followers

on each side of him. The artwork shows the last moments before Judas betrays christ to the

authorities. Bahreynian, Kermani & Aqababaee (2017) note that the Last Supper is painted in

solid colors to emphasize contrast and depth. The image represents Jesus as the principal figure,

with him in the center and presumably sticking out from the others. The shot catches details such

as the colors of their robes, the food, and the dishes on the table. It also depicts the scale of the

chamber from floor to ceiling and the tiny bag that Judas holds.

Interpretive Critic

Jesus is seated between his followers at the Last Supper. The remaining figures in

the artwork separate into three-person groupings, symbolizing the Trinity. The image of

windows in the painting also features the number three. Furthermore, as shown in the image,

Jesus' stature is depicted in a triangle form (Martin & Jacobus, 2018). This picture illustrates the
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events just before Judas, one of his followers, betrayed him. By presenting Judas with a tiny

currency purse in his hand, the picture further implies that he was the one who betrayed Jesus.

Evaluative Critic

Leonardo de Vinci's The Last Supper is among the biggest works of art ever

created. One of the most famous works of Christian art, it depicts a pivotal moment in biblical

history with detailed realism. According to Bahreynian, Kermani & Aqababaee (2017), the

artwork is a sophisticated blend of creative prowess and mathematical symbols that brings

profound significance. The twelve figures, shown in various poses and expressions, represent

the artist's ability to capture the essence of life in his work. The Last Supper transformed

Leonardo da Vinci from a simple decorative painter into a conceptual artist who could show off

his audience how to think creatively via his art.

In conclusion, to analyze a work of art successfully, one has to have a firm knowledge of

the medium being used and the ability to apply their interpretation of the work. Critics provide

light on works of art, enabling viewers to comprehend the works' meaning better and eliminate

the need for alternative interpretations. When analyzing artwork, a critic needs to use descriptive

language to convey what they think a spectator would get out of seeing the piece. On the other

hand, an interpretive critic attempts to convey the meaning that the artist had in mind. An

appreciative critic formulates an opinion on an artist's body of work by studying their unique

approach to their craft and taking that knowledge into their head.
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References

Bahreynian, M. S., Kermani, I. Z., & Aqababaee, E. (2017). Representation of The Last Supper

by Leonardo da Vinci in the Postmodern Era Using the Abstract-Minimalism Approach.

The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-E Nazar, 14(51), 33-44.

Martin, F. D., & Jacobus, L. A. (2018). The humanities through the arts. New York: McGraw-

Hill Education.
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References