
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Supper at Emmaus
Description
In the New Testament, the Supper at Emmaus takes place after Christ’s Resurrection, when two of his apostles invite him—whom they suppose is a pilgrim and stranger—to dine with them. Israhel van Meckenem staged the scene at an inn, where the three are served food and drink. Christ breaks the bread and blesses it, a gesture that reminds the two disciples of the Last Supper. They thus recognize Christ as their resurrected savior. Van Meckenem contrasted the knowing eyes and gestures of the disciples with the indifferent actions of the servants who carry and pour the wine.
Provenance
(Frederick Keppel & Co., Inc., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Official Citations
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of Israhel van Meckenem (German, c. 1440–1503)
Prints • Germany • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery