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.
🤓 Nerd’s corner: for the truly dedicated geometry fans... what is the height of the vanishing point B?
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
January 19, 2026 at 6:34 PM
🤓 Nerd’s corner: for the truly dedicated geometry fans... what is the height of the vanishing point B?
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
#Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
And here lies the beauty of it:
💡 The perspective lines are tangent to the Arc of Thomas!
This connection reveals yet another layer of deliberate geometry within the composition, in an elegant alignment between the triangle, the grid, and the perspective itself.
💡 The perspective lines are tangent to the Arc of Thomas!
This connection reveals yet another layer of deliberate geometry within the composition, in an elegant alignment between the triangle, the grid, and the perspective itself.
January 19, 2026 at 6:34 PM
And here lies the beauty of it:
💡 The perspective lines are tangent to the Arc of Thomas!
This connection reveals yet another layer of deliberate geometry within the composition, in an elegant alignment between the triangle, the grid, and the perspective itself.
💡 The perspective lines are tangent to the Arc of Thomas!
This connection reveals yet another layer of deliberate geometry within the composition, in an elegant alignment between the triangle, the grid, and the perspective itself.
Or so it seems.
In fact, the perspective lines are related to the grid because their slope matches that of the grid's diagonals. In other words, the perspective (in yellow) runs parallel to the diagonals of the grid (in black).
In fact, the perspective lines are related to the grid because their slope matches that of the grid's diagonals. In other words, the perspective (in yellow) runs parallel to the diagonals of the grid (in black).
January 19, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Or so it seems.
In fact, the perspective lines are related to the grid because their slope matches that of the grid's diagonals. In other words, the perspective (in yellow) runs parallel to the diagonals of the grid (in black).
In fact, the perspective lines are related to the grid because their slope matches that of the grid's diagonals. In other words, the perspective (in yellow) runs parallel to the diagonals of the grid (in black).
The Triangle #4
The arc created by rotating the triangle’s side aligns the top point A with one of the grid's verticals.
Here, I've highlighted the angle of this arc in yellow and reported it to the hand gestures of James and Thomas.
The arc created by rotating the triangle’s side aligns the top point A with one of the grid's verticals.
Here, I've highlighted the angle of this arc in yellow and reported it to the hand gestures of James and Thomas.
January 15, 2026 at 9:08 PM
The Triangle #4
The arc created by rotating the triangle’s side aligns the top point A with one of the grid's verticals.
Here, I've highlighted the angle of this arc in yellow and reported it to the hand gestures of James and Thomas.
The arc created by rotating the triangle’s side aligns the top point A with one of the grid's verticals.
Here, I've highlighted the angle of this arc in yellow and reported it to the hand gestures of James and Thomas.
The Triangle #3
Our attention turns to the rotation of the triangle’s sides.
📐 Once again, let’s take our imaginary drawing compass. Placing the tip on N, we rotate the top of the triangle to the right.
Starting from A, we trace an arc that intersects the grid exactly at the height of the window
Our attention turns to the rotation of the triangle’s sides.
📐 Once again, let’s take our imaginary drawing compass. Placing the tip on N, we rotate the top of the triangle to the right.
Starting from A, we trace an arc that intersects the grid exactly at the height of the window
December 9, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The Triangle #3
Our attention turns to the rotation of the triangle’s sides.
📐 Once again, let’s take our imaginary drawing compass. Placing the tip on N, we rotate the top of the triangle to the right.
Starting from A, we trace an arc that intersects the grid exactly at the height of the window
Our attention turns to the rotation of the triangle’s sides.
📐 Once again, let’s take our imaginary drawing compass. Placing the tip on N, we rotate the top of the triangle to the right.
Starting from A, we trace an arc that intersects the grid exactly at the height of the window
So the question is: what is the radius of that circle?
💡 The first intuition is the correct one: the pediment is defined by a circle of radius 1 (one module of the grid = 1).
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
💡 The first intuition is the correct one: the pediment is defined by a circle of radius 1 (one module of the grid = 1).
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:58 PM
So the question is: what is the radius of that circle?
💡 The first intuition is the correct one: the pediment is defined by a circle of radius 1 (one module of the grid = 1).
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
💡 The first intuition is the correct one: the pediment is defined by a circle of radius 1 (one module of the grid = 1).
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
The Triangle #1
Starting from the centre of the grid and following Jesus’ open arms, we can draw a triangle with a base of 4 and a height of 2.
📐 Let’s grab an imaginary compass, plant it on N, and rotate the triangle’s base upward. With that gesture, we draw an arc that interacts with the grid.
Starting from the centre of the grid and following Jesus’ open arms, we can draw a triangle with a base of 4 and a height of 2.
📐 Let’s grab an imaginary compass, plant it on N, and rotate the triangle’s base upward. With that gesture, we draw an arc that interacts with the grid.
November 29, 2025 at 9:56 AM
The Triangle #1
Starting from the centre of the grid and following Jesus’ open arms, we can draw a triangle with a base of 4 and a height of 2.
📐 Let’s grab an imaginary compass, plant it on N, and rotate the triangle’s base upward. With that gesture, we draw an arc that interacts with the grid.
Starting from the centre of the grid and following Jesus’ open arms, we can draw a triangle with a base of 4 and a height of 2.
📐 Let’s grab an imaginary compass, plant it on N, and rotate the triangle’s base upward. With that gesture, we draw an arc that interacts with the grid.
It’s a great feeling to see my book in the window of the All Good Bookshop (London, Turnpike Lane). I will be giving a book talk there on Friday 28th November. Come along to this free talk!
November 19, 2025 at 6:58 PM
It’s a great feeling to see my book in the window of the All Good Bookshop (London, Turnpike Lane). I will be giving a book talk there on Friday 28th November. Come along to this free talk!
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
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.
This subtle detail visually signals his moral and emotional descent.
Counterbalancing his downward motion, Philip rises above the median, his hands pressed on his heart, contributing to the wave-like motion that animates the composition.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
Counterbalancing his downward motion, Philip rises above the median, his hands pressed on his heart, contributing to the wave-like motion that animates the composition.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
October 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
This subtle detail visually signals his moral and emotional descent.
Counterbalancing his downward motion, Philip rises above the median, his hands pressed on his heart, contributing to the wave-like motion that animates the composition.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
Counterbalancing his downward motion, Philip rises above the median, his hands pressed on his heart, contributing to the wave-like motion that animates the composition.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt #ArtHistory
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.
#LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt
#SymbolismInArt
www.geometrylastsupper.com
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt
#SymbolismInArt
www.geometrylastsupper.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
This leaves two units in the centre occupied by Jesus alone, giving rise to a sense of authority and calm amid the chaos around him.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
October 12, 2025 at 9:04 PM
This leaves two units in the centre occupied by Jesus alone, giving rise to a sense of authority and calm amid the chaos around him.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
The grid, however, does more than define the space as it also governs the distribution of the apostles along the table.
Can you see how?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
Can you see how?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
October 8, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The grid, however, does more than define the space as it also governs the distribution of the apostles along the table.
Can you see how?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
Can you see how?
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
geometrylastsupper.com
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory #Geometry #GeometryInArt #SymbolismInArt
September 29, 2025 at 4:24 PM
In John's gospel, Jesus indicated the betrayer by giving him a morsel of bread after dipping it. Accordingly, Leonardo painted the right hand of Christ and the left hand of Judas having already initiated a movement towards each other which would lead, a moment later, to the meeting of their hands.
September 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
In John's gospel, Jesus indicated the betrayer by giving him a morsel of bread after dipping it. Accordingly, Leonardo painted the right hand of Christ and the left hand of Judas having already initiated a movement towards each other which would lead, a moment later, to the meeting of their hands.
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).
2/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.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory
Notably, the head of Thomas touches the circle from the outside – without entering it.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory
July 24, 2025 at 10:04 AM
2/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.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory
Notably, the head of Thomas touches the circle from the outside – without entering it.
#TheLastSupper #LeonardoDaVinci #RenaissanceArt
#ArtHistory
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
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