The Last Supper [Epitaph for Prince Joachim of Anhalt]

The painting depicts the Last Supper, whereby leading representatives of the reformation replace the apostles. Only Judas is shown separated, seated at the side of the table, Christ serves him something to eat. Set apart from the event by the front bench Duke Joachim of Anhalt kneels in the foreground wearing sumptuous robes and with his hands in an attitude of prayer. Standing beside a large bowl of water a cupbearer serves cold drinks and offers them to the participants of the dinner party. The signet ring on his left hand suggests, that this may be a self-portrait of Lucas Cranach the Younger. At the back of the stately renaissance room stands a group of five men, that have been identified as members of the Anhalt ducal house. On the right further dishes are handed to a servant through a service hatch. [cda 2013, aktualisiert 2016]