The painting consists of two parts, right and left. Both are rectangular and horizontal, joined seamlessly to form a single composition. The work depicts a multi-figure scene: ten people and a dog gathered around a long table in a light-filled, enclosed interior. The figures are seated only on one side of the table and at both ends. The space opposite the viewer remains empty. The figures face the viewer directly. The light falls evenly across the scene, illuminating each figure equally. The palette is vibrant and varied, dominated by shades of blue, red, yellow, and green. Anatomy and perspective are rendered in a simplified manner.

At the very centre of the composition, at the junction of the two panels, sit three central figures. The figure in the middle turns their head to the left. They have long, smooth, reddish hair flowing backward. The face is elongated and pale green in colour. Their eyebrows are light, the nose narrow and straight, and the eyes closed. The lips are thin, pink, and closed. The right ear is visible. The neck is exposed. The figure wears a red-orange robe with long sleeves. The colour of the garment blends into the light red of the couch backrest. Their arms are crossed and resting on the table. The left hand reaches toward the woman on the left, while the right hand joins the hand of the woman on the right.

The woman to the left of centre has light red hair, smoothly framing her head. Her complexion is pale. Her head is gently tilted and leaning to the right. Her eyebrows are light, her nose small and narrow. Her eyes are closed, as are her pink lips, which form a faint smile. She wears a light-coloured robe that reveals her neck and right breast. Folds of the fabric are painted in blue and green. Her arms rest on the table; her right hand is hidden behind her left shoulder, while her left hand holds the central figure’s hand.

To the right of the central figure is another woman, resting her head on the left shoulder of the red-haired figure. Her hair is also red, though lighter and shorter. Her complexion is pale. Her eyes are closed, and her small pink lips form a peaceful expression. Her neck is exposed. She wears a blue robe. Her left arm rests on the table, and her hand is joined with the right hand of the central figure. Her right hand rests at the bend of her left arm.

On the left side of the painting are three men. The first is seated at the left end of the table. He is an older man with thinning grey hair and deep receding hairlines. His head leans to the left. His eyebrows are barely visible. His eyes are closed, as are his narrow lips. He wears a grey-blue robe with a brown-green cloak over it. A reddish-brown dog sits on his lap. He extends his open hand toward the dog, offering it something. His left hand rests on his right shoulder.

Behind the old man, at the corner of the table, sits another man. His head is turned slightly to the left. He is bald, with a greenish complexion. His head is oval-shaped, and his forehead furrowed. His eyes are closed, and his lips curve into a gentle smile. He wears a dark blue robe. His fingers are joined at chest height, while his raised right arm touches his cheek.

To the right, next to the red-haired woman, sits another bald man, facing right. His eyebrows are raised, and his eyes closed. A faint smile appears on his lips. He wears a golden robe with long sleeves. His elbows rest on the table. He supports his chin with the back of his right hand.

On the right side of the composition, beside the central figures, sits a woman with short dark hair and a greenish complexion. Her head rests on her left shoulder. Her arched eyebrows and narrowed eyes are visible. Her thin pink lips are closed. Her right ear is exposed. Her shoulders are hunched. She supports her chin with the back of her left wrist, her left elbow resting on the table. Her right arm hangs down along her body.

To the far right, at the end of the table, sits a woman holding an infant. She has reddish hair pulled back smoothly, an elongated head, and pale skin. Her head turns gently to the right. Her eyes are closed, her nose small and narrow, and her lips closed and pale red. She wears a red robe and a purple skirt. She holds the infant vertically in her hands. The child faces left. It is naked, with very light, barely visible hair. Its eyes are closed and its brow furrowed. Its nose and mouth are small. The woman supports the child’s left shoulder with her right hand and its left foot with her left hand.

Behind the woman with the child, in the corner, stands an old man. He has grey hair with pronounced receding lines. His eyes are closed and his face covered with wrinkles. His head leans downward to the left. He supports his chin and hands on a wooden cane. He is dressed in a long dark blue robe.

The figures along the table sit on an orange couch. Only its backrest is visible. Those seated at the ends of the table obscure the furniture beneath them. The table is covered with a long light blue tablecloth. On it are several empty plates. In the right corner, next to the woman holding the infant, lies a small elongated yellow object, possibly a banana. To its left is a small, rounded light blue object, possibly another fruit. The walls of the room are light yellow. At the centre of the back wall, behind the figures, is an open window. It is rectangular and horizontal, with its upper edge extending beyond the frame. Through the window is a view of a town square with grey buildings. At the centre are wide yellow steps, flanked by orange buildings. In the foreground, in front of the steps, are rectangular yellow structures. On the steps and in the background are groups of people rendered as small, colourful paint dabs.

In this work, Leopold Gottlieb reinterprets one of the most significant motifs of the New Testament. The Last Supper is depicted in a contemporary context. The apostles are replaced by individuals living on the edge of poverty, of various genders and ages. The closed eyes of the figures emphasise the sense of mystery and concentration.

Source: Text by Irena Buchenfeld on the painting The Last Supper
Audiodescription: Emilia Szymańska
Consultation: Adrian Wyka
Expert Content Consultation: Irena Buchenfeld