Artwork
The Last Supper

The Last Supper is a paint painting by the Indian Miniature artist Roy Jamini. It dates from 1937 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Last Supper is a painting by Jamini Roy, a prominent Indian artist of the modern period, created in the 1930s.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Jesus and the twelve apostles, with Christ shown frontally and the apostles in profile, divided between the foreground and background. The work reflects Roy's interest in Christian themes, alongside his roots in folk traditions.
Technique & Style
Characterized by bold lines and flat colors, the painting employs indigenous materials and techniques, including lamp black and organic tempera on homemade canvas. The figures are distinguished by their large eyes, a hallmark of Roy's style.
Context
Roy's work drew on various cultural influences, combining Christian imagery with the folk art of rural Bengal, evident in the painting's bright colors and flat shapes reminiscent of village scrolls.
Artist & collection
Artist
Roy Jamini spent years painting the same crowded corner of Varanasi, until the street itself started talking back.












