There's nothing like a couple thousand years of of repetition and an iconic painting to get story to get lodged inside the heads of the creators of pop culture.
Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century depiction of Jesus announcing that one of his 12 disciples would betray him is so ingrained in our culture that it has been co-opted by those wishing to give weight to their parodies, tributes and caricatures.
Update April 2009: Hit the link for
50 more Last Supper parodies
Mickey Mouse Last Supper
One of several works by pop artist and culture jammer
Ron English. This is one of my favourites as I like that the disciples are divided between Disney and Warner Bros. characters all looking to Mickey Mouse, the first cartoon superstar, as Jesus. What puts it to the top though is cartoon spokesperson Joe Camel as Judas. Nice.
Oops, made an error right on the first one, as has been pointed out by a few, including
Drunken Chud:
"Joe Camel is not Judas, he's Peter. Pluto is Judas, notice the bag in his hand."Right you are, and it makes far more sense for Pluto to be Mickey's Judas. And making a cigarette spokesman represent the future head of the church is a much harsher commentary.
Sopranos Last Supper
Famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibowitz captured The Sopranos Jesus Christ pose in 1999, with Tony as the central figure in this mob of disciples and his treacherous mother Livia as Judas. Who will take on that role as the series wraps up?
Simpsons Last Supper
Depicting Homer Simpson with his beer-swilling disciples at Moe's is inspired, but my one complaint is how many minor characters there are in the bar, making some guy I don't even recognize as Judas. The image comes from the end of
Thank God It's Doomsday.
Superman's Last Supper
Superman as the Christ figure is a no-brainer but my superhero knowledge is spotty so I can't name a number of the disciples and I don't know who Judas is. Anyone?
From
Chris Power:
"Appears to be from the Morrison era of the JLA. The people in the picture from left to right are: Orion, Big Barda, Steel, Flash (Wally West), Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Huntress, Zuriel, Plastic Man, Martian Manhunter."
The Last Pancake Supper
Two depictions of the disciples as breakfast cereal mascots with Aunt Jemimah as the Christ figure and Cap'n Crunch as Judas. They were created by two different artists, in two different countries, four years apart, but there are some striking similarities. The above work - The Last Pancake Supper - was painted by
Dick Detzner in 2000.
From Anonymous: "ACTUALLY - That is Mrs. Butterworth sitting in the Christ seat, not Aunt Jemima - Aunt Jemima is to Butterworth's right in the St. John position."
The Last Breakfast
The Last Breakfast was painted by Aubrey Hallis in 1996.
Did Detzner copy him? It's possible, but as evidenced by the collection here, copying The Last Supper is not a completely original concept. In any case, I like both of their ideas, mostly as sugar cereals have been more a part of my daily life than the Bible ever has.
Cereal Mascot Last Supper
Another great Last Supper depiction by Ron English and lo and behold he places Cap'n Crunch as Judas as well. This leads me to believe two things: great minds think alike and people really hate the Cap'n. I don't understand the bad rap - all he ever did was fight the evil Soggies. If anyone was ever going to sell you out it would be the Trix rabbit. He'd do anything for a bowl of that stuff.
Sesame Street Last Supper
I accept Big Bird as the Saviour, but why would Cookie Monster betray him? I suppose it would be very easy to bribe him with cookies. Brought to you by the letters J and C.
Star Wars Last Supper
Eric Deschamps was commissioned to paint this by Giant magazine before the final Star Wars installment was released.
From the painter: "They wanted selected Star Wars characters in the Last Supper. I started out staying really close to the poses in the actual last supper painting then ended up straying away from them a bit to make the wide range of characters fit." I would have preferred to see Boba Fett as Judas instead of Han Solo or Chewbacca (I can't tell who it's supposed to be) but I suppose that is one of the difficulties when placing all the characters into a preset image.
Donkey Kong's Last Supper
I love the Nintendo world of
Misha's Donkey Kong's Last Supper, especially the pipes as the table legs. Having Mario as his Judas is a perfect choice too.
From
Billy:
"Left to right: Q-Bert, one of the dinosaurs from Bubble Bobble, Centipede (from Centipede), the dog from Duck Hunt, Mario, Princess Peach/Toadstool, Donkey Kong, Luigi, I'm not sure what that red floating thing is at all, Link, Frogger, Bomberman, and Pacman. Under the table is a Ba-bomb."Update: Many, many people have pointed out the "red floating thing" is Dig Dug. Thanks all.
The Last Software
Another take on the video game theme, titled
The Last Software featuring characters from competing gaming platforms. From left to right, Pac-Man, Q*bert, Frogger, Donkey Kong, Mario, Pauline (Nintendo), a literal Atari Jaguar, Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles the Echidna, Princess Sally, Earthworm Jim, Gex and Crash Bandicoot.
From
Billy:
"The game systems on the table are in front of their corresponding character, starting with The Atari 2600, and ending with the original Playstation. I wish I could identify them all, but alas, my vision isn't that good. I do see though the Intellivision, (and probably Coleco Vision), the original NES, Super Nintendo, N64, Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Sega Megadrive, and what might be the Sega Gamegear. Can anyone else identify those others?"
Hollywood Last Super
You'd think there would be more versions of the Last Supper featuring Hollywood celebs as the apostles but this was one of the only ones I could find, featuring Marilyn Monroe in the Christ seat. She's a great choice as she was sacrificed for fame and celebrity. Clark Gable is depicted as Judas but I don't know why. Any guesses?
From
shananashawna:
"[The Misfits] was the last movie for [Clark Gable as Marilyn Monroe] and a lot of crap went on. Gable said Monroe nearly gave him a heart attack with all the trouble she caused and he did indeed have a heart attack shortly after and died. Maybe Monroe should be Gable's Judas."
Yet another Ron English take on the final diner with an interesting yet peculiar selection of disciples for King Mickey, from Bart Simpson and teletubby Tinky Winky to Olive Oyl and Frankenstein. King Kong holds the Judas slot (and Marge Simpson).
That 7o's show Last Supper
A screengrab from an early episode of That 7o's show called
The Streaking. Not too badly done considering they only had six characters to work with.
M.A.S.H. Last Supper
Back in the real 1970s, director Robert Altman shot a scene in his classic film M.A.S.H., showing he surgeons in a familiar pose.
Ronald's Last Supper
McDonalds is a popular target for Last Supper parodies. I suppose everyone imagines that the restaurants are so ubiquitous now that is likely where the the final meal would be held.
The Last Happy Meal
The Last Happy Meal is more of a cartoonish of a take on da Vinci's work, but the free toy is a great kicker. I also love the inclusion of some long discarded characters like Mac Tonight and Captain Crook.
Last Supper McSupersized
Last Supper McSupersized is another classic from Ron English and was featured in Morgan Spurlock's documentary Supersize Me.
The Very Last Supper
One final take on the McDonalds theme with the interesting detail being Grimace depicted as Judas and not the Hamburglar, as most of the rest of the parodies used. It's always the one you least suspect. In the detailed view you can see that Grimace is wearing a Burger King hat — his version of a bag of gold, I suppose. Titled
The Very Last Supper, by Jim Thompson, it was painted on the back of a pizza box, which is a fitting touch.
James Wood's Last Supper
This one I have no explanation for at all. A table filled with James Woods except for Robocop, from artist
Brandon Bird. Sure, why not?
Lego Last Supper
The last of the series isn't so much a parody, I just really like Lego.
Lego Brick Last Supper
I mentioned how much I like Lego, didn't I? Here's another version.
UPDATE: Since my first posting Last Supper parodies have hit the media cycle when a poster of Jesus and his disciples as “half-naked homosexual sadomasochists” sparked controversy at the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.
The parody showed the
fetish-wearing disciples and a table covered in sex toys - much like you might suspect to see at an event that closes Leather Pride Week. The Catholic League and Concerned Women for America flipped out and pressured sponsor Miller Brewing to pull its logo from the poster. It's ridiculous as there hasn't been anywhere near the amount of controversy over the 21 parodies listed above.
You can read a full account of the incident and an excellent critique of the poster at
Queering the Last Supper.
The upside of it all, at least for me, is that it revealed a few more versions of the Supper. Thanks to
Dan Savage for the link and the large collection, both pop culture and otherwise.
Popeye Last Supper
Artist *ATLbladerunner's Popeye parody, titled
Supper At Sea is described thusly: All of the characters are from the Thimble Theater strip by E.C. Segar, which later became just the Popeye comic strip. I tried to keep most of the characters in the same positions as the apostles are in Leonardo's version, and tried to put in a few little fun things relating to the original. For instance, putting Olive in the same place as the apostle John, who some believe to be Mary Magdelene. I also had to put Brutus in the place of Judas Iscariot, and have him holding money (pieces of silver).
From Left to right - Alice the Goon, the Sea Hag, Poopdeck Pappy, Brutus, Professor O.G. Wattasnozzle, Olive Oyl, Popeye, the Jeep, J. Wellington Wimpy, Rough House the cook, Swee' Pea, George Geezil, Castor Oyl.
Phish Last Supper
The Phinal Supper, featuring the members of Phish. I don't know anything about the band other than I'm sure some of their followers feel like disciples. Go here for a further explanation.
Sean Connery Last Supper
I found this one at
You're The Man Now Dog. It looks like Sean Connery is Christ and his Judas appears to be George W. Bush. I have no idea why. Some of his disciples are Batman, Bill Cosby, Conan O'Brien, Chewie and Patrick Stewart. I also think there is Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, but I can't be sure.
Seem the choices are not as haphazard as I'd assumed. From anonymous:
"The characters are not chosen at random those are the most prevalent characters posted on YTMND."From
Billy:
"Left to right: Milton (Stephen Root) from Office Space, Dolph Lundgren I think, Patrick Stewart, G.W. Bush, Brian Peepers, Lindsey Lohan, Sean Connery, Andy Millanakis?, Batman (Adam West version), Chewbacka, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), Conan O'Brian, and Bill Cosby."
House Last Supper
I don't watch House (I'm not a big fan of medical shows, Scrubs being the exception) but this Season Four promotional figure is beautifully done. Set in an operating room with a patient for a table, it mimics da Vinci's Last Supper perfectly. I'll leave it to fans to explain who is Judas and why.
From hjm:
"I don't think anyone in the picture is supposed to be 'Judas.' Even though Dr. Chase sits at the right spot for it, him being 'Judas' would not make sense in a promotional picture for the fourth season in which he plays a minor role (if it were for one of the previous seasons, then yes, sure). Surely, this might change. However, if you look at the picture, you might consider it odd, showing only 11 'disciples'. Thus, it is most likely that the missing person is the one who could be considered 'Judas' in the fourth season (maybe 'Cut-Throat Bitch'). As a promotional picture it would have been unwise to depict that 'Judas' and giving away a such important clue as to what the 'Judas-character might be up to in the course of that season."
Tarantino Last Supper
I expect Quentin Tarantino really does see himself as a Christ-figure, surrounded by his blood-thirsty disciples. There's a Last Supper that will end in a gunfight of biblical proportions.
Artist David Laird went a little overboard with the number of characters, nor does the layout doesn't make it simple to determine the Judas figure, but I would place my money on Bill. It's nice that he puts The Bride by Tarantino's side, in a nod to the theory that the figure to the left of Christ in the original painting is Mary Magdalene.
iPhone Last Supper
The iPhone Supper is a nice riff on the ascendence of the iPhone, but it could have been so much better. How about a pink iPod Nano to the left of the Iphone and maybe a Zune in the Judas spot. But hey, I'm just the aggregator, not the artist.
Cookie Last Supper
The Last Snack, a photo by
Tom Altany, was nominated for the International Color Award for color photography (Advertising category) in 2006. Not much to say about this other than it makes me hungry. Would His blood be chocolate milk?
Fast Food Last Supper
Another version using fast food franchise mascots as disciples. Nice to see one without Ronald McDonald as Jesus and hey, the Burger King guy is called The King. Looks like the Oven Mitt (Arby's mascot?) is the Judas. Aren't there any more mascots out there? Anyway, the image is a from a t-shirt design by
Stephanie Sachs.
Fast Food Mascot's Last Supper
Soon after wondering if there weren't any more fast food mascots that could be used, I stumbled upon this Last Supper version, with a full compliment of junk food disciples. I couldn't find any attribution about the artist — if anyone knows, please leave a comment. Domino Pizza's Noid is Judas to Kentucky Fried Chicken's Colonel Sanders. It is important to Avoid the Noid.
From
Billy:
"Left to right: Long John Silvers, Dave Thomas of Wendys, Bob's Big Boy's, a really crappy Hamburguler, The Domino's Noid, Wendy, Col. Sanders from KFC, Ronald McDonald, the Burger King King, Little Ceaser's mascot, Fat Jared from Subway, Chucky Cheese's Chucky Cheese, and Popeye, who is used as the difacto mascot of Popeye's Chicken."
Justice League Last Supper
Even comic artists like to indulge in a little da Vinci parody. This image appeared in the Countdown/Final Crisis series, with much speculation as to whether
DC Comics is planning to kill off Batman sometime in 2008. I can't speak to that, but I love Wonder Woman in the potential role of Mary Magdalene and how many of the parodies are placing a female figure to the left of the Christ figure. Green Lantern takes on the Judas role. I have no idea why.
From
Chris Power:
"That scene from countdown does allude to Batman/Wonder Woman relationship that is continually hinted at in the DCU. Green Lantern is Judas because about 15 years ago he betrayed everyone after Coast City was destroyed and he became Parallax."From
Billy:
"Left to right: Red Tornado, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Black Canary (standing), Wonder Woman, Batman, Vixen (standing), Black Lightning, Hawkgirl, and Red Arrow (Roy Harper) In the foreground is Superman and "Mr Action" who is really Jimmy Olsen."
Kevin Smith's Last Supper
It was almost inevitable that someone would create a Last Supper out of director Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse. Artist Misha avoided using Smith as Christ (unlike the Tarantino version above) instead using
Mooby the Golden Calf, a reference to the graven image worshiped in the Old Testament. Nice.
Here is
how Misha described the painting, which was purchased by Smith himself, to MTV: “I did a lot of listening to [Smith] talk, a lot of listening to podcasts, voiceovers from the actual films, stories. It’s funny, because you’re painting Ben Affleck’s face and you’re listening to a story about him, so there are a lot of little jokes within it, wink-winks. You’ve got Rufus [the 13th Disciple], who has finally made it to the supper where he belongs. Kinky Kelly and the Sexy Stud — he brought a date — Hooper X pinching Banky’s butt, Dante and Randall, of course, overlooking Alyssa playing with her fingercuffs. Then Stan Lee. Stan Lee is God.”
Yoda's Last Supper
Another take on the Star Wars, but using 16th-century Italian painter Jacopo Bassano's Last Supper as inspiration, instead of the more common da Vinci version. Betray me, one of you will.
New additions:
Battlestar Galactica's Last Supper
Last Supper pop culture homages continue to surface, easily making it one of the most imitated images for satirists. What makes this image so popular is the back story is so well know that all anyone needs to do is plug in the appropriate characters and a new story emerges.
The latest version I've come across is Entertainment Weekly's
Battlestar Galactica Last Supper in their preview of season four. To my unending shame I have not been watching BSG, but happily executive producer Ron Moore explains the placement of the figures:
Gaius Baltar & Number Six: Even though Baltar seemed to be on a savior track, "that's not really what the story is about," explains Moore. "Baltar's Six has proclaimed that she is delivering the gospel of the [Cylon's] one true god, so it seemed natural to place her at the center of the photo."
Lee Adama: "The brooding (Judas-like?) former pilot is still in his civilian suit. "He does not return to flight status," says Moore.
Read about the other eight here.
Casino Last Supper
A painting at the Siena Hotel Casino and Spa in Reno, Nevada, take by
Pamela Haynes. Funny. I suppose at a casino the dealer is king.
Scientologist's Last Supper
I can't believe it took me so long to check The Gallery of the Absurd for a version of the Last Supper and fourteen did not disappoint with
The Scientologist's Last Supper. From the artist: "It clearly shows Tom Cruise as Christ, but leaves several other questions unanswered. For instance, who is the mysterious woman seated to His left and why is she smiling like that? Could she be his...gasp...wife? Is that a Jenny Craig-approved cupcake Kirstie Alley is grabbing? John Travolta is wearing loafers and he's floating - what does this mean? How did Will Smith get mixed up with this bunch? So many questions, so few answers."
Though painted in January 2007 it dovetails nicely with the extra craziness of Cruise's
feverish advocation of The Church of Scientology, leaked this January (2008) on all sorts of sites.
Comic Last Supper
Sadboy-Elchicotriste's
Last Paper Supper is a nice take on the comic book Last Supers, this one featuring a number of European characters. From the artist: "From left to right we can see a Peyo's smurf, Spiderman, walt disney's Mickey Mouse, Ibañez's Mortadelo, Herge's Tintin, Hugo Pratt's Corto Maltese as the main guy, Uderzo and Goscinny's Obelix, Segar's Popeye, franquin's Spirou, Morris's Lucky Luke, Schultz's Charlie Brown with Snoopy on the table too and in the middle the manga's freak shin chan... manga hurted quite a lot the tradition of the european comic... guess who's the betrayer?"
Well, Tintin is in the Judas seat, but once again I have no idea as to why.
X-Men Last Supper
Speaking of comic characters, Symphonic-Massacre's
X-Supper is made up of all X-Men characters. I can name half a dozen and recognize Jean Grey/Pheonix in the Christ position but I don't know who the Judas character is. Any fans out there?
Turns out there are a lot of fans out there. The best description came from
Mike:
Gambit is Judas, he's holding the money. Gambit also has a history of betraying the team... and really anyone else he comes in contact with. X-Men left to right: Colossus, Iceman, Nightcrawler, Gambit (seated), Wolverine (behind), Cyclops, Jean Grey, Gateway (behind), Cable (seated), Angel, Beast, Bishop, Xavier. Gateway is such a minor character I have no idea why he would be included.
Darth Vader's Last Supper
A Last Supper made up of evil robots from pop culture? Why not. So if Darth Vader is Christ and the Borg Queen is Judas, who does she sell him out to? The Federation or the Rebel Alliance.
From the artist, ABVH: Left to right - ED 209 (Robocop), Dalek (Dr.Who), Trade Federation Droid (SW), Terminator (T1), Borg Queen (Star Trek), Maria (Metropolis), Darth "He's more machine than man now" Vader (SW), Cylon (BSG), Cyrax (Mortal Combat 2), Ash's head (Alien), T1000 (T2), General Grievous (SW), Sentinel (Matrix)
Rock 'n' Roll Last Supper
Poncho-Juju's
Last Rock Supper explores the rock gods conceit. Instead of choosing Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain or John Lennon as the Christ figure, a Les Gibson takes centre stage. Marilyn Manson is placed as Judas (sure, why not?), but that figure is usually represented by the person second to the left of Christ, with their arm out, often holding a bag of money (or whatever the character took for their betrayal.) In this case it would be Pink Flyod's Syd Barrett, or at least that's who I think he was going for.
From the artist: (left to right) St Mick, St Sid, St Elvis, St Syd, Marylin (as Judas, in a kind of hommage), St Janis, the Holy Gibson, St Chuck, St Kurt, St John, St Jimi, St Jim, and St Freddy. People chosen mostly among the martyrs of rock, although some still living have been allowed (Mick Jagger for iconism, Marylin Manson for playing Judas, Chuck Berry for pretty much inventing Rock 'n Roll).
Simpsons Last Supper
A fan art
Simpsons Last Supper by Jabba the Slut, which doesn't use any of the main family characters. I never would have guessed Otto as a Christ-figure but I could see Apu as a Judas. If it would help the Kwiki Mart he could do anything.
From the artist: (from left to right) Groundskeeper Willie, Lenny Leonard, Miss Hoover, Moe Szyslack, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Helen Lovejoy, Otto Mann, The Comic Book Guy, Chief Clancy Wiggum, Carl Carlson, Disco Stu, Herchel Krustofsky aka Krusty the Clown, Charles Montgomery Burns.
Mario's Last Supper
AngstyGuy's
The Last Smashing take on a video game Last Supper is similar in theme to Donkey Kong's Last Supper but with Nintendo's all-stars standing in for Jesus and his Apostles and Mario in the centre seat. His Judas is Wario, Mario's evil doppelgänger. How appropriate. The artist says there is a Da Vinci code in the painting. Head to his site
to find out more.
From
Billy:
"Left to right: Falco from Starfox, Link, Starfox, Wario, Luigi, Princess Peach/Toadstool, Mario, Captain Falcon from F-Zero, Link again?, one of the guys from Final Fantasy, Pitt from Kid Icarus, the other guy from Final Fantasy (Marth?) and Donkey Kong. Under the table left to right: Kirby, Snake from Metal Gear Solid, and Pikachu from Pokemon."
Apple Last Supper
Another
Apple-related Last Supper and a nice riff on the iconic iPod ads. Still, shouldn't Judas at least be holding a Zune or even a Victrola?
Northern Exposure Last Supper
In an episode of Northern Exposure, local DJ Chris Stevens has a dream sequence where he imagines himself as Christ at a Last Supper while he tries to figure out how best to honour his mentor Tooley. It is from the Season Four episode, Heroes -- best quality I could find. Thanks to
Foolish Sage for the heads up.
Action Figure Last Supper
An
odd assortment of disciples for Christ at this Last Supper. Looks like Larry of the Three Stooges, Wolfman, Spock Frankenstein's monster, Bart Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, JC, Gilligan, Capt. Kirk, Dracula, Moe of the Three Stooges, Batman and Mickey Mouse. It looks like a collection of the creators figures, but quite nicely done.
Oxfam's Last Supper
Cartoonist
Gerard Alsteens created this Last Supper for Oxfam's Dutch Fair Trade campaign. I can't name everyone at the table, but here's what I have: ?, Bart Simpson, ET, Tintin (as Judas), Mickey Mouse, ?, Che Guevara, Pope Benedictus, Spider-man, Charlie Chaplin, Jimi Hendrix (I think), John Lennon, Nelson Mandela (another guess). The version on the
Oxfam site has a flash element, where all the items on the table have a fair trade link.
From
annet:
"The first one is Cowboy Henk, a Belgian figure by the artist Herr Seele. He seems to have an image of Guy Verhofstadt, former prime minister of Belgium on his chest or something."
Final Crisis Last Supper
Another DC comics Last Supper, this one with villains. This is a promotional image for
Countdown to Final Crisis and my comic knowledge fails me. But that is what the interweb is for and an excellent analysis from
Foot2Mouth tells me the who's who. From left to right: Granny Goodness, Eclipse, Mary Marvel, Joker (as Judas), Catwoman, Lex Luthor (as Christ), Kingdom Come Superman, Cyborg Superman, Return of Superman, Trickster, Dessad, Penguin.
From
Billy:
"Your Final Crisis Last Supper was a little wrong. Left to right: Granny Goodness, Dark Mary Marvel, Eclipso (Jean Loring), Martian Manhunter, The Joker, Catwoman (Selina Kyle), Lex Luthor, Kingdom Come Superman, Cyborg Superman (Hank Henshaw) wearing his Sinestro Corps costume, Superman Prime, The old Trickster (James Jesse) wearing the new Trickster's clothes and carrying the Pied Piper's flute, Desaad, The Penguin."
Flying Spaghetti Monster's Last Supper
The
Flying Spaghetti Monster is an elaborate satire, meant to show the fallacies of Intelligent Design. From the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster's
Open Letter to the Kansas School Board:
"Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster... Some find that hard to believe, so it may be helpful to tell you a little more about our beliefs. We have evidence that a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe. None of us, of course, were around to see it, but we have written accounts of it. We have several lengthy volumes explaining all details of His power."
And so on. So of course it only seems appropriate that there be a Last Supper, with some of the disciples in the traditional full pirate regalia.
Zombie Last Supper
"This is my body, which is broken for you..." I don't know why I held off on this zombie version for so long. If zombies don't have a place in pop culture, who does? I've found multiple postings, but none that have led me to the original artist. Anyone know where it is from?
Update April 2009: 50 new Last Supper parodies
Akatsuki Last Supper
Naruto is an ongoing Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. Akatsuki is a criminal organization composed of ten high-level ninja that have defected from their village of origin
From artist
ValkyrieRandgris: Pein as Jesus, Madara as Jokabus, Tobi as Philippus, Sasori as Matthäus, Itachi as Thaddäus, Kisame as Simon,Kakuzu as Bartholomäus, Hidan as Jakobus, Arochimaru as Andreas, Zetsu as Petrus, Deidara as Judas, Konan as Johannes.
I, of course, have absolutely no idea what any of that meant.
Animal Protection Last Supper
An ad from the International Organization for
Animal Protection. “One of you betrays us 150,000 times every year.”
Balloons Last Supper
"This Last Supper was
sculptured by Mr. Bubbles and fellow balloon twisters at the Fellowship of Christian Magicians convention in 2004. Balloon twisters from around the world come together each summer at the FCM convention to learn from each other on how better to use balloons to teach Gods word."
Uh, yeah. God twists balloons in mysterious ways. (Thanks to
kitchendon for the tip)
David Beckham Last Supper
From the
Manchester Evening News: "The re-working of Italian master Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, created to mark the launch of a satellite TV station's World Cup coverage, is titled Sven's Last Supper. The England captain is transformed into Jesus, sat at the centre of the table, in front of the World Cup trophy, lost in thought."
"Beckham is separated from his team mates, which could show he is one of the few English players to play abroad. His concentration could also show how the England captain has realized the tournament, which starts in Germany this week, could be his last World Cup."
Black Sabbath Last Supper
From Amazon: The Last Supper is the first-ever live DVD from legendary Metal superstars Black Sabbath, which includes all of Sabbath's biggest hits performed live.
So shouldn't Ozzy Osbourne be Jesus? Or maybe because he thought so is why the band broke up in the first place. (Link via
Snap Dragon)
Salvador Dali's The Sacrament Of The Last Supper, 1955
From the National Gallery of Art, Washington: Twelve pentagons and twelve apostles, as Dalà said: “…communion must be symmetric.” The Sacrament of the Last Supper was painted using oil on canvas, in 1955.
David LaChapelle's LastSupper
Last Supper by photographer
David LaChapelle, part of his "Jesus is my Homeboy" series.
From
Artnet: "Illustrated in 2003 in the British magazine
I-D, the works construe a fierce critique of a consumer society. His subjects are multi-ethnic groups of youths who come from a rap and hip-hop culture and wear underground clothing with the camouflaged street fashion of the wardrobe stylist Patty Wilson. Christ with finely chiseled, Apollo like features amongst them, is suspended into the composition as a metaphysical visitor."
Oh. I totally see that now.
Devil's Rejects Last Supper
A poster of the cast of Rob Zombie's film, The Devil's Rejects, made to look like The Last Supper. Well, kinda. Minus the requisite number of disciples and any effort to match the body positions. But other than that, it's perfect. (Link via
Bloody-Disgusting.com, thanks to reader
Mr. Loodyvillanopolis for the tip)
Dilbert Last Supper
From
Shroud of Wally, an episode of the animated Dilbert cartoon: Wally is falsely worshiped by a group of young marketing students when a rocket containing a picture of him with the false appearance of a halo over his head crashes into a marketing brainwashing seminar and is discovered by the easily fooled marketing students. Why the Pointy-Haired Boss isn't portrayed as Judas, I have no idea.
Dogs Playing Poker Last Supper
Artist Ron Burn's
Dinner and Drinks with the Son of Dog. "Maybe the world isn't ready for this. Truth is, I wasn't trying to be controversial with this one," says Ron Burns. "I love Da Vinci, I love dogs and it seemed like a fun idea to bring the two together." (Link via
Boing Boing)
Dinosaur Last Supper
Says
Ricard Pascual: "A friend of mine. He's always been a fanatic of all kind of animals and his speciality is scientific painting, so his last year final project was the last supper with dinosaurs." (Link via
Boing Boing)
Bob Dylan Last Supper
Artist
James Seward's depiction of the Last Supper is filled with rock icons, but I can't say who for sure. I see Jerry Garcia to the left, and I think John Lennon has the role of Judas, while Bob Marley is further left. To the right I see Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger and Willie Nelson, but that's all I can say for sure. Suggestions welcome. (Link via
Last Suppers)
Update: A couple of people have taken a stab at this one, but
Pissed Off Hillbilly has submitted a full list. Left to right: Duane Allman, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, Carlos Santana, Willie Nelson, Tom Waits
Dracula's Last Supper
It's a movie monster's Last Supper from
darkwaterfrey. L-R: Mummy, Cyclops, Wolfman, the Headless Horseman as Judas, Zombie, Death, Dracula as Jesus, Creature From the Black Lagoon, Invisible Man, Frankenstein's Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, Ghost, Witch.
Elvis Presely Last Supper
Guy Peellaert is a major European Pop artist. In 1974, Elle magazine called him the “the Michelangelo of Pop”... Elvis Presley’s Last Supper, with guests Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and Eddie Cochran, feasting on burgers and drinking Coca-Cola. (Link via
Coca-Cola Art Gallery)
Etch-A-Sketch Last Supper
Kevin E. Davis
draws his masterpieces with an
Etch A Sketch. So, naturally, he had to try his hand at the Last Supper.
Food Court Last Supper
I suppose a mall is where a modern messiah might have his Last Supper. It would certainly go with all the fast food versions. From artist
Dianne Fries.
Gambling Last Supper
Irish gambling site Paddy Power was forced to withdraw an advertising campaign featuring
Jesus and the apostles gambling at the Last Supper, following a large volume of complaints in 2005. "There's a place for fun and games" was the slogan. Paddy Power took down its Last Supper posters around Dublin and replaced them with ones reading: "There's a place for fun and games. Apparently this isn't it."
Gordon Ramsay Last Supper
British Michelin star chefs Last Supper for a
Guardian magazine photo shoot, with Gordon Ramsay of Hell's Kitchen fame as Jesus, haloed by a flying brie.
Looney Tunes Last Supper
When artist
Glen Tarnowski's The Gathering was displayed in the window of the Chuck Jones Gallery in San Diego, it turned some heads. Inevitably it also sent some folks off the deep end and called for it's removal. “Most people think it's fun and amusing, but 5% are pulling their hair out,” said Mike Dicken, national sales director for the gallery.
The Disciples (l-r): Henery Hawk, Wile E. Coyote, Junior Bear, Elmer Fudd as Judas, the Grinch, the Road Runner, Bugs Bunny as Jesus, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian, Marc Anthony, Pepe Le Pew, Gossamer, Porky Pig.
“Chuck Jones was the absolute master in using cartoon characters to communicate the issues we deal with in life,” Tarnowski told the
San Diego Union-Tribune. “We all resonate with these characters. (Link via
Cartoon Brew)
Last Supper Lan Party
From web artist
Justin Parks: Ages ago, I drew a ‘Last Supper Lan Party’ featuring the gang at
NeenerNeener.Net. For the launch of their new website, I redrew that illustration, this time inspired by the new podcast theme that the site now favors.
Last Level Last Supper
Little Gamers is a Swedish
gaming webcomic. The characters are drawn, as described in their second comic, to be "bastard children of Hello Kitty and Bomberman." If you had to beat 12 ninjas on the last level, you could call yourself a messiah too.
Mao Last Supper
Zhang Hongtu, an artist who studied at the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts in China before going into exile in the United States, has produced a replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper, in which all the apostles not only wear Mao suits and caps but have Mao's face.
Picnic Last Supper
From Argentine photographer
Marcos López: Description: One of López's most recognized images is Asado criollo, which is a recasting of Da Vinci's The Last Supper. In the place of the sacred Last Supper of Jesus Christ and the Twelve Apostles, the founding event figured in the Holy Mass of the Catholic Church as a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice for the salvation of mankind, we have the virtually sacralized ritual of the Argentine barbecue, where the
blood-bathed sacrifice of edible beef is the privileged figure of Argentine communal identity. If wherever Catholics assemble they will celebrate Christ's sacrifice for the salvation of mankind, wherever Argentines assemble they will celebrate the sacrifice of beef for the affirmation of "Argentinity."
(Thanks to
Marchi for the tip)
Giraffe Last Supper
From artist
Martin Missfeldt: "If Leonardo da Vinci had painted giraffes in his famous communion instead of humans, the whole scenery would be more complicated. The beautiful, cleared up Leonardo Fresko becomes by the devoured necks quite unclearly, particularly with the question, which Apostle is now which." (Thanks to
Martin Missfeldt himself for tipping me off to this!)
Last Martini Supper
From the "Rock Star of the Art World"
Michael Godard. Description: "Stand back lighting may strike! This piece is a spoof on “The Last Supper”. Notice how Michael has added Mary Magdalene the sexy strawberry to spice up the party, the rotten apple of course is Judas and all the garnishes are ready for the last Martini Party before they are used as garnishes for our drinks. Which garnish is your favorite? Michael Godard's personal favorite is of course the almighty Olive." (
Link)
Mel Brooks Last Supper
From a scene in
History of the World: Mel Brooks is a waiter in the restaurant where the dinner takes place. Then Leonardo comes in and looks at them all sitting around the table and says he doesn't want to paint their backs. So he tells the ones on one side to go around to the other side for the portrait'
Melvins Last Supper
A concert poster advertising a show in Knoxville, TN by the
Melvins, Big Business, and a showing of the film, A Purge of Dissidents. Designed by poster artist Lee Zeman, featuring McDonaldland characters as the apostles. I like the inclusion of more obscure characters Uncle O’Grimacy and Mac Tonight.
Michael Jackson Last Supper
Artist
Nate Giorgio signed a deal in 1985 with Michael Jackson to do 50 paintings of him that would be used for private and commercial reasons. This version of the Last Supper hung over Jacko's bed at Neverland. The diciples: Abraham Lincoln, John. F. Kennedy, Thomas Edison (not sure, anyone?), Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson as Christ, Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Elvis Presley and Little Richard (or not, not sure of that one either).
I suppose that would make Einstein his Judas, but I doubt Jackson saw it that way. Not that I can imagine any of these people wanting to be around him anyway. Except Little Richard, who is a little bit creepy himself.
Lego Minifigs Last Supper
From Flickr member
graham_wa: The disciples are the Joker, (not sure who is in the red hood), Spongebob SquarePants, Catwoman as Judas, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca as the Christ figure, Two Face, Riddler, Michael Jackson, Harry Potter, Santa, Robin.
Update: The red hooded character is an Imperial Guard. Thanks to
mauser for the tip.
'Toon Last Supper
A motley mix of 'toons, from Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera and Disney populate this Last Supper by aards2 from Worth1000. He solves the Jesus dilemma by only makeing the disciples cartoon characters.
L-R: Bugs Bunny, Apostle Smurf, Norville "Shaggy" Rogers, Popeye, Fred Flintstone (selling out Christ as Judas), Pinnochio, Tweety Bird (as a 13th disciple, I suppose), Jesus, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote. Huckleberry Hound, Tom and Yogi Bear.
The Super Smash Brothers Last Supper
All characters from the game
Super Smash Brothers. I have demonstrated my lack of video-game knowledge earlier, so if anyone wants to take a stab at a full-table description, have at it. But I do see the artist has followed other video game versions and placed Mario as the Christ figure and Donkey Kong as his Judas. It does make sense.
Update: Eric D and
redoubtful have chimed in with their thoughts. Seems this Last Supper is from the third iteration of the Smash Bros. series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Left to right: Snake (Metal Gear), Ness (Earthbound/Mother), Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Pikachu (Pokemon), the Princess, Mario, Kirby, Link (Legend of Zelda), Samus (Metroid), Pit (Kid Icarus), Fox (StarFox), Sonic.
Thanks for the help!
Paradise Now Last Supper
In a scene from Paradise Now, about two West Bank friends chosen to be suicide bombers, the bombers share their last meal with 11 of their associates, in an obvious homage to Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper. Of all the Last Suppers this is one of the most provocative, given the subject matter and location.
Poker Last Supper
Can't find any info on who made this or why. I'm sure it was just made as a poster to annoy people with by showing Jesus and his disciples gambling. Meh, try harder.
Raptor Jesus Last Supper
Raptor Jesus is a
4chan meme consisting of a raptor's head photoshopped onto any picture of Jesus, which, inevitably, lead to a Last Supper. (Link via
Last Suppers)
Mortein: Last supper
Description: In the ad, the faces of Jesus and his apostles have been replaced with those of the unpleasant rodent. The message is clear: it’ll be the rats’ last supper since their dinner has been seasoned with
Mortein, a Chilean rat poison. (Thanks to
kitchendon for the tip)
Rock Icons Last Supper
Artist
Paul Karslake paints for the Rolling Stones and uses them as subjects as well, so it wasn't a surprise to see Mick Jagger as Christ. The rest weren't all as easy to determine. Guesses anyone? Left to right: Bob Marley, ??, John Lennon, Elvis as Judas, Jimi Hendrix, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger as Christ, Keith Richards, ?? Bo Diddly?, Janis Joplin, Ronnie Wood, ??, someone passed out under the table, Bob Dylan
Satanic Last Supper
http://www.myconfinedspace.com/2007/01/17/satanic-last-supper/
Schoolgirl Last Supper
From
ArtZine: "Sanjie, by Beijing artist/photograper Cui Xiuwen, which was inspired by The Last Supper of Leonardo Da Vinci, wherein she replaced each of the apostles with the same character reappearing in the latest body of works."
Scream Last Supper
The horror! Is it the fast food available to them at the Last Supper that is making them all do an Edvard Munch Scream? Artist deviantART member
Arum1966 doesn't say.
Scooby Last Supper
From a
Fark photoshop contest to put dogs into Da Vinci paintings, with Scooby-Do as the Christ figure, with Lady, the Tramp, Clifford and Oddie (sp?) around the table. Now why would Clifford be his Judas? If anyone, it should be Scrappy-Do. You just know he's sell you out.
Update: It's not Odie, it's Santa's Little Helper. My bad. Thanks,
moonfall86.
Shameless Last Supper
From the BBC: A billboard advert for a TV comedy depicting The Last Supper with a drunken dad as Jesus, has outraged a south-east London vicar. The poster promoting Channel 4's Christmas episode of Shameless has been put up in front of St Olav's Church in Rotherhithe. Father Helge Pettersson said it was outrageous and insensitive.
A programme publicist said the intention was to produce a comic contrast, not to offend. The Advertising Standards Authority said it has received 57 complaints about the poster.
The advert features 12 members of the dysfunctional Gallagher family seated around the dinner table for a drunken Christmas meal - resembling Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. In the centre is head of the family, dad, Frank wearing a tinsel crown with lager can and cigarette in hand. (Thanks to
Auz for the tip)
South Park Last Supper
A scene from the episode Margaritaville with Kyle, the Jew, as Jesus and Cartman as his Judas It's a perfect match.
From Wikipedia: Kyle and his friends go out for pizza at Whistlin’ Willy’s and laments that he feels they won't be able to get together like this anymore because he thinks he is going to be killed. He says he worries that one of his friends will betray him. All of them act shocked while Cartman stands up and says that whoever betrays Kyle "is a dick" and "it's not cool!" Kyle admits to his friends while glaring accusingly at Cartman that he knows what he has to do to save everyone.
The Last Superhero Supper
This version, done by Don Wilkinson, was the inspiration for Last Suppers impressive collection of L'Ultima Cena.
Left to right: Aquaman, Green Arrow, ??, Captain Marvel, Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkwoman, Plastic Man, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman.
Captain Marvel as Judas makes sense as in 1953 DC Comics filed a
copyright infringement suit against DC Comics, alleging that Captain Marvel was an illegal infringement of Superman.
Update: My mystery ?? figure is Black Canary. Thanks to
mauser for the info.
The Latht Thupper
Tweety Bird as Judas to Yosemite Sam's Jesus? Did they even meet in a cartoon? In any case, that is dynamic in
Jeffenstien's Worth1ooo Last Supper entry. Left to right: Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote, Speedy Gonzales, Road Runner, Tweety Bird, Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian, Foghorn Leghorn, Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny, Granny. (Link via
Last Suppers)
Underwater Last Supper
Description: "Fashion and international photographer
Howard Schatz has the photographic table set again. The Last Supper is a marquee underwater photograph" (Thanks to
PhotoJoe for the tip)
Andy Warhol's Last Supper
Description: "Works like Last Supper (Dove) bring together brand name products from the supermarket and the sacramental imagery of the church, asserting that modern life and faith are neither separate nor contradictory. Each makes the other more real and meaningful. The dove, descending from above Christ like a halo, represents the Holy Spirit; the General Electric sign (with its own halo) is a symbol of the Son. It doesn't take much imagination to connect GE with the light of the world, but there is an even subtler meaning to this sign: GE's slogan, "We bring good things to life," points to the resurrection and eternal life."
Or, you know, whatever.
Watchmen Last Supper
In the opening credits of the Watchmen, accompanied by Bob Dylan's song The Times, They Are A 'Changin', the credit sequence shows a brief history of masked heroes.
The scene that stood out for me was the party for Sally Jupiter’s retirement from The Minutemen, which is based on Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. I love that this homage/parody has once again risen in current pop culture.
Seated left to right: Mothman, Silhouette, nurse, The Comedian (in the seat of Judas), a pregnant Silk Spectre I/Sally Jupiter as the Christ figure, her husband Laurence Schexnader, Nite Owl I, Captain Metropolis, Hooded Justice.
The Last Supplement
The Last Supplement to the
Whole Earth Catalog cover by underground cartoonist R. Crumb.
Yo Mama's Last Supper
Description: "Renée Cox's
Yo Mama's Last Supper is made up of five large color photographs show a naked black woman (the artist's self-portrait), with her arms raised to heaven, with the twelve disciples, all black, seated behind a long table and so upset New York mayor Rudy Giuliani at the time that he called for a "decency commission" to monitor the morals the Brooklyn Museum of Art."
Zetsubou Last Supper
Apocalypse Now, using characters from the
Japanese manga Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei (
Link)
Big Lebowski Last Supper
"Look, let me explain something. I'm not Jesus. You're Jesus. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. That or His Dudeness... Duder... or El Duderino, if, you know, you're not into the whole brevity thing."
The
Big Lebowski Last Supper will match your favorite rug and really tie the room together. How nobody had yet created a Dude Last Supper is a surprise to me. Even though I'm not a member of the
Big Lebowski cult, I know a fan favourite when I see one.
So with that shameful pop culture confession behind me, I leave it to you to identify the disciples as I'm not going to even try.
Previously on Popped Culture...Popaganda: The Pop Culture Revolution Would You Like Fries With That?Come as You Are: Nevermind The ParodiesFind Waldo, Yet AgainPillow Talk: 25 Strange Throw Pillows
Yo-ho-ho, just in time for the third installment of Pirates of the Caribbean, comes the 30-Second Bunnies reenactment of the previous two swashbucklers. They are both summed up in the single take for obvious reasons – it was the same movie.
