Communion of the Apostles (Signorelli)

Luca signorelli, comunione con gli apostoli, cortona

Communion of the Apostles is a renowned fresco by the Italian Renaissance painter Luca Signorelli, executed around 1512. It is located in the Cappella di San Brizio of the Duomo of Orvieto, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. This work is part of a larger series of frescoes by Signorelli in the chapel, which also includes scenes of the Apocalypse and the Last Judgment, showcasing the artist's profound grasp of human anatomy and his pioneering use of foreshortening.

Description

The Communion of the Apostles depicts the moment in the Christian narrative when Jesus Christ administers the Eucharist to his disciples, an event that is celebrated in the Christian rite known as the Mass. Signorelli's composition is remarkable for its emotional intensity and for the individualized portrayals of the apostles, who are depicted with a range of expressions that convey awe, devotion, and contemplation. The central figure of Christ is shown in the act of blessing the bread, surrounded by his disciples in a semicircular arrangement that enhances the sense of a sacred gathering.

The fresco is noted for its detailed depiction of the figures and the drapery of their garments, as well as its vibrant color palette. Signorelli's skill in rendering the human body is evident in the varied poses and the anatomical accuracy of the figures, reflecting the influence of his contemporaries, such as Michelangelo.

Historical Context

The Communion of the Apostles was commissioned as part of a larger project to decorate the Cappella di San Brizio, which had remained unfinished for several decades before Signorelli was appointed to complete it. The choice of Signorelli for this task was likely due to his reputation as a master of figure painting and his ability to convey complex theological themes through his art.

The fresco reflects the theological and artistic concerns of the late Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in the human form and a deep engagement with Christian doctrine. Signorelli's work in the chapel, including the Communion of the Apostles, is considered a precursor to the High Renaissance style that would reach its zenith with artists like Michelangelo and Raphael.

Significance

The Communion of the Apostles is celebrated for its artistic achievements and its contribution to the development of Renaissance art. It exemplifies Signorelli's mastery of fresco technique, his innovative use of perspective, and his ability to convey complex religious themes through vivid and dynamic compositions. The fresco has been influential in the history of art, inspiring subsequent generations of artists with its dramatic portrayal of a key moment in Christian liturgy.

The work is also significant for its place within the broader context of the Cappella di San Brizio frescoes, which together represent one of the most important cycles of Renaissance painting in Italy. The chapel's decoration is a key monument in the history of Italian art, reflecting the transition from the Gothic to the Renaissance style and the evolving understanding of humanism and spirituality during this period.

See Also

• Renaissance art
• Fresco
• Eucharist
• Duomo of Orvieto