This was staged on purpose to create this photograph inspired by the famous painting The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. I followed a lot from Da Vinci’s master piece, did some research on other works and added my own interpretation.
The Last Supper specifically portrays the reaction given by each apostle when Jesus said one of them would betray Him. All twelve apostles have different reactions to the news, with various degrees of anger and shock. I focus my attention on Jesus, Judas and Peter, so the main changes I did compared to the original were with those three.
But let’s see what’s going on; From left to right:
The first apostles form a group of three, all are surprised.
The second group of three is where Judas is. He is the only one with his back facing Jesus. Peter is in this group too, and looks angry and suspicious. He has placed the knife on the table near to him to have control over that weapon. If someone will try to reach the knife he will get it first not letting anyone else use it. But he doesn’t believe that someone from the group could betray Jesus. The most probable situation would come from someone in the outside, so he his looking at you.
The next group of three. One is clearly upset; another looks stunned, with his arms wide open; he's falling because all the strength in his legs has gone. Meanwhile, one of the apostles appears to be requesting some explanation.
The final group of three. Two of them are turned toward Simon, perhaps to find out if he has any answer to their initial questions.
Jesus is at centre with both hands turned upside receiving the Divine light over Him. All of the angles in the composition and light draw attention to Christ.
The number 3, which is an allusion to the Holy Trinity, is the main key to this work. All the composition is based in a triangle with focus on Jesus; and the shape of Christ's figure resembles a triangle too. The Apostles are forming groups of three. There are three objects on the table representing the Holy Grail (A cup for the wine, a plate for the bread and a knife to divide the food). There are 3 seated apostles on the right side of Jesus and another 3 seated on the left side. If you count the number of open fingers (in the hands of the Apostles) you’ll find 72 fingers which is multiple of 3. Three Apostles in the left side and a further 3 in the right are wearing black. Three have their faces hidden. There are 3 tattoo skulls. And so on...
There are a lot more references to the number 3 in this work. I purposely created some but at the end I could find a lot more. I'm sorry that 640px doesn't do justice to all the details in this photograph.
Thank you for the nice comments and support.
Statistics
Place: 3 out of 86 Avg (all users): 7.3938 Avg (commenters): 8.7606 Avg (participants): 7.3438 Avg (non-participants): 7.3993 Views since voting: 31864 Views during voting: 873 Votes: 325 Comments: 214 Favorites: 222 (view)
NOt only is this an absolutely amazing portrayal of "The Last Supper", but your explanation of it was fantastic as well. I am so glad I happened upon this piece of art.
Jorge, just ran across your photo again. And I still feel the need to tell you that IMO this may very well be the BEST photo I've run across on DPC yet. Love it, absolutely love it.
I just stumbled upon this photo again. I have to say, it's one of the best I've seen on DPC. The setup and mindfulness that went into this is just amazing. I've actually showed it to people who are neither on DPC nor into photography.
It would probably look utterly stunning in large in a cool frame on the wall.
i had to check to make sure that i had commented on this one before...
in reiteration,
i see 12 photos a week on dpchallenge, and this one is still one of my top 5 in the last 6 months
I apologize - profusely, and at length - for not putting you into my favorite photographers before now. Very cool work (not just this). Well thought out and executed. You rock.
Been a christian for years... This is one of the most inspiring pieces of art I've seen. Love it. (in referance to the comment below- yeah I too don't think Jesus would have actually have had a tatoo; but I dont believe it to be a sin. However I do love the symbolism of it...) I hope you don't mind everyone looking into the piece! lol Is this ever going up for sale?
I've seen and looked over this picture about 100 times. I have only one problem with the picture. I'll get to that in a bit.
I think the idea of Jesus hanging out with this group of people is great! Who is to say Leonardo Da Vinci painting is real or the truth. Don't be angre with me. This is just my opinion!
The problem I do have with this photo is the tattoos on Jesus. I'm sorry but tattoos are a act of sin. Jesus did not sin. He was flawless unlike us. I have three tattoos myself and I'm far from perfect! I have to say that I'm a huge Jesus freak! I think mpeters said it best "The followers of Christ were rough men, with a couple of exceptions. My reaction to your tatooed men is probably similar to the reaction of society to Jesus' disciples.
I just came back to this shot to read some of the comments. I still think this was the most brilliant image of the challenge, one of the best I've seen in a while. The amount of work that went in to the setup alone is worth a ribbon.
I'm quite certain the handful of low scores were people who felt this image to be "blasphemous", when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. Well done, and once again congratulations on a masterpiece.
Jorge don't stop submitting to the challenges. Your work is professional, you try to learn us how we must work if we want to raise our level .
Your IMAGINATION is something else.....This photo is a master piece
A Brilliant Work of Art. I love all the tattoos and jeans juxtaposed by the pure white lace tablecloth and red underneath making me think of the blood about to be spilled. Wow, I will be coming back to look at this again and again. CONGRATS!
ok.. the 4 people who gave it a 1 are probably just going around on a second free account giving 1's to everyone in order to raise their own averages, as for this picture, WOW. You are truly a master. And have very good friends willing to pose for you. Although I would not want to walk into a dark alley and find them waiting for me at the end.
You even finished in position 3 which is perhaps more fitting that getting the blue ribbon!
This is a very powerful photo which is very thought provoking. I commend you for attempting such a BIG task, not only in the execution of the shot, but for sharing in your understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the shot. To me, this goes beyond what we generally classify as 'photography and interpretation' and enters into a realm of discernment and genuine insight, which few care to venture.
Congratulations
Jorge, this is really impressive. The time you took to arrange groups of three throughout the photo and the result make this a true work of art. I believe this heartily deserved the blue ribbon.
Congrats Jorge, funny you should do this take on this challenge as we recently had a very big ad campaign that was controversial here in Iceland based on the last supper and guess where it was shot... In Portugal of course!
I honestly believe this belongs in the wall of a museum just as much as the inspiring painting. A truly breathtaking work of art. It must be quite a sight in full resolution.
A word for those who voted 1, 2, 3, or 4: shame on you.
Será que há um lugarzito no CCB para esta obra de arte? Se não, que tal no Centro Português de Fotografia? Um forte abraço de PARABÉNS.
This is one of the best shots I've ever seen on DPC... or anywhere for that matter. I'd love you to post a larger version somewhere so we can see the detail.
I honestly don't know how to express how much I love this shot. You always have top notch work and creativity, but to be honest this is leaps and bounds above your previous stuff in my opinion. I want a big print for my office, are you gonna make them available?
Perhaps for another challenge - if, rather than taking a flippant snapshot, you would apply yourself and spend a little quality time considering your approach - you may get the blue.
; )
I just read the notes, and I'm amazed at all of the thought, preparation and staging that went into this. When I commented before I thought it was a sort of haphazard set-up with gangsta' disciples in a modern room, but when I see how much you put into it I'm very impressed. Well deserved ribbon.
Wow! Just....Wow! This is your best yet. Actually, it's the best I've seen on this site in awhile. I'd like to see a large print of this hanging on a wall somewhere.
I wish I would have voted this would have been a ten! Really shows haow the last supper could have looked if it happened today. As group phots go this is an awesome example, congrats on the ribbon.
WOW.......what an absolutely phenominal shot.....not only technically, but most important to me.....meaning and emoting something from people! This was really a brilliant piece and really quite inspiring. Not to mention COMICAL! I just LOVE this! Great going there and congrats on the ribbon! Much deserved. BTW...it's been added to my faves!
*To the complete IDIOTS that scored this a 1-4.....PBBBTTTT.....quit voting!*
Jorge, I LOVE THIS! Technically, it's flawless of course like all your photos, but what touches me is that I really believe that if Jesus were here in the flesh today, these are the kinds of folks he would call friends. He would be hanging out at his last supper with them, and prob'ly not the suits and ties that show up in church every time the doors are open, then leave the church and look down their noses at people who are different.
Thank you for giving us all the inside scoop on the thought and attention to detail you paid in setting this up. You and your friends are absolutely THE BOMBS!!!!
No offence to the top 2 entries, but i definatly think that this one is a clear winner. Mostly 10/10 scores. Not something you see happen often. But hey... you came 3rd ;) maybe it was fate.
Great work.
Just an incredible shot my friend. I love your interpretation, and how much you really put into this. Each man has a feel and expression on his face that gives you a story. Love the break down of you shot, and the story behind all the different aspects of your work. Very well thought out and lit of course. It seems to be very difficult to have this many in your shot, and yet to have all perfectly representing the disciples. Well done! And also love that all of these are my Portuguese brothers!! Parabens!
The only thing missing is that one of them should be a woman! ;D
Now I wish I had voted on this challenge. It would have been such a thrill to find this. Then again, it was thrilling to find it on the front page. The poses that you got from these guys are very impressive. Formal yet expressive.
The only reason this didn't get a blue is that you offended some people. That's a great reason for not getting a blue!
Great image Jorge!!! I thought this might get tanked by some who might see it as sacrilege but happy it made it to the top. My first thought was that it reminded me of Renee Cox's Last Supper that Rudy Giuliani got upset about and started a censorship campaign over.
edited:just noticed that you got four 1's. Glad they got shouted down by the 69 10's. Yah!
De Sousa, this is an amazing image. I keep coming back to it. I love what you have done conceptually, as well as aesthetically. You have come back to prove yet again what kind of cool stuff you can do with hot-shoe flashes. Would love to see how this looks as a large print.
superb work, subtle and in your face at the same time. this should have won - it has the greatest latitude of thought and emotion of the three top. well done indeed!
Jorge, I run out of superlatives. Technique, lights but above all creativity are blue ribbon stuff. Subject has offended some and unfortunately with it some unmerited low votes, take those away and your masterpiece tops 8.
Good work. I am stunned that you only used so few light to light upp the picture. and only using the 580 flass.
This picture of last supper have been used so many times but your version is very nice
*Keep upp the good work.
Lydur
Jorge, you're back! I was wondering where you were. This image is stunning and now that I read about all the details I'm even more impressed. I'm glad it did so well.
Excellent Repro! The use of tattooed, apparently biker-types, is IMHO the cultural equivalent of the original Twelve's station in Life! Nicely Done! Congratulations! :)
This is probably very close to what it would look like today if Jesus was among us. He did not pick the rich and "beautiful" to join him. Not even the priests. He chose the "scum" (to others) and he is also said to have not looked as beautiful as we all picture in our minds.
Thank you for sharing this great picture.
If an image ever deserved to dethrone the legendary pool table shot, this may have been the one. Do you work for a living? ;) Congrats!
The followers of Christ were rough men, with a couple of exceptions. My reaction to your tatooed men is probably similar to the reaction of society to Jesus' disciples.
brilliant! I love the contrast from the tattooed apostles and the (relatively) unmarked 'Jesus'.
I also like the simplicity in their attire which generally consists of whites, blacks and denim blues. Very much in keeping with a working class group. The shirtless aspect is quite suitable for the customs of the place and time. Fantastic choice for Peter.
Do you use the Sigma 500 with the IR trigger or the optical slave with your Canon flashes?
Jorge, this is just astounding work. Loved it the moment I saw it. Sorry I didn't take the time to comment earlier. You have impressed me on many levels.
This is WAY cool...and I love your explanation. Thanks for taking the time to type it all out. Congratulations on a unique and interesting shot for this challenge. I'd really like to see this in a larger format. I also hope you give each one of these guys a print! They earned it.
Dang, I love your retrospect in this. Amazing how you took the time and interpreted a very well known scene in your own view, and showed it in your art. I really like how you showed Peter in this, gave him a bit more personalism somehow. Well done sir, and congrats on your ribbon!
Congrats on a masterful interpretation, and wonderful execution. Arguably the most forethought given to an image on the entire site. It's hard to say that with a 7.4 you were robbed... but I'm inclined ;O). Well done!
Awesome, Jorge! Look at all those 10s (I was happy to be one of them). I guess those 10s were countered by those 1s, 2s and 3s! What a fun and complex undertaking and a well-deserved ribbon.
OK, this is just great, nicely lit, well posed.. probably a theatre group or something right?? whatever, meets the technicals, slightly quirky, good shot.. I bet 640 pixels doesnt do it any justice.. 9 all the way and a top 5 finish at least.
Great shot. I like the lighting and the contrast with the bad-boy types playing Jesus and apostles. Of course, Jesus was a rebel and did hang out with different types of people.
I would've liked a cropping of the top making it more short and long like the last supper picture I normally see.
I'm interested in knowing why this was going on - if not specifically for this image. The cup seems to need a little more attention but the scene is absolutely surrealleous-tistic.
So congrats on the blue ribbon. I think this is one of the most imaginative images ever displayed here and predict that your final score will certainly be in the 8's. Anything less would be just silly. Congrats on a very memorable entry.
It looks as though great deal of effort and coordination was required to complete this shot. i think it was worth it.
win or lose it is the best thing I have seen on this site in a long time... Awesome ... good Luck
Absolute WOW factor for me. The creativity level as well as the technical level are excellent. You may get blasted on this one, but I find it a great way for some to better identify. There are a couple of hot lighting spots, but that isn't terribly distracting. Wish I could see the face of the guy on the far left. Great execution!
This is an absolutely spectacular entry. It is probably one of the best efforts I have seen in the little over a year since I've been here. I would like to give this a 12 or 13, but that isn't possible. I am just so impressed at the amazing convergence of so many messages. A true work of art.....I am totally in awe! 10 10 10 10 10 10
very very cool, I bet I know who took this! Should score very well
That tatoo'd bunch is perfect for the modern day effect on a classic image. I'll bet the society in the time of Christ viewed his followers like we view those guys. That is what makes the image so special.
That is a truly superb take on an old image. Brilliant, with some superb detail in all the tattoos. Every time I look at it i see more and more in it. If this doesn't "Blue Ribbon" then there is no justice. I don't think i can say more but this is f**king great. 10+
Oh my word I can only begin to guess at some of the comments (and votes) that this picture will have generated for you
OK from my perspective
Are you a blasphemer? - No
Is this offensive - Not to me
Is it attractive - Not to me (but I am not a big fan of tattoos)
Is it a good idea - Hmmmmm possibly a little cliched in the big wide world but a very good concept for this challenge
Is it well executed - Pretty much so
Is it well composed - Yes
All things considered I give it a 7. Hope you feel the comment is fair
I like the idea. Would have been even better if you sticked closer to the original. Nevertheless, this is a very good picture. Great lighting and a clear focus on 'Jesus', without ignoring the others. (9)
LOL this is brilliant - I love it! The back lighting behind ..umm.... your main character, the poses, the colors, the clarity..... all work together so well.
Funny !! I am sure you'll p.o. a few. Photographicaly speaking, the light you placed to the right of or directly above the camera could have been less harsh; as it is, the blown out JC body is less than visually appealing. Also, the hair light is a bit too strong, in my opinion. A better image than most in this challenge though.
Hehe, love it! Great lighting and expressions of everyone. Unfortunately, there will surely be people who feel "offended" by this image. I hope they're not too numerous and you'll get a good score!
Absolutely brilliant!!!
Though you risk the misunderstanding from many of the voters, so expect many low votes for the controvertial theme. Good luck! (10)
Best of the challenge in my opinion. I think the backlighting definatley makes the image. Gives the dude in the middle a halo-ish effect. Awesome promo shot.
Unlike many of the entries, your photo is actually set up and is, therefore, a real portrait. Above and beyond going above and beyond just meeting the specs, this is a great, interesting, technically spot on photograph and, hopefully, with my 10 in the mix, you will snag a ribbon with it. I really can't think of anything it needs (OK, maybe you could have lost the scissors or whatever is on the table on His right. The constraint of 640 pixels makes details like that lost).
Last Supper
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
