ANDREA DEL CASTAGNO\'S LAST SUPPER

This thesis analyzes Andrea del Castagno's fresco of the Last Supper in the refectory of Sant'Apollonia, Florence. This study investigates the details of the commission, Castagno's fresco in the iconographic tradition of representations of the Last Supper, the aspects which separate this Last Supper from previous examples in Florentine refectories, the fresco's purpose in relation to its conventual setting, and also the artist's use of both classicizing and contemporary elements and techniques. The central focus of my work is the significance of this fresco in terms of both the imagery Castagno employs and his possible sources. The purpose of this thesis is to recognize the innovative aspects of the fresco, as well as the role that Castagno played in the development of Florentine Renaissance art.