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The Geometry of the Last Supper

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The Pediment

From The Geometry of the Last Supper by Raphael Mouterde. This picture shows the Last Supper with the perspective line from the tapestreis and the circle that drew the pediment above the door. The centre of the circle lies above the vanishing point.

Above the door, a decorative 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.

Within the circle are Jesus and two hands—one belonging to James the Greater, the other to Thomas, who points his finger towards the heavens. Notably, the head of Thomas touches the circle from the outside – without entering it.

Was this careful arrangement intentional?


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