Communion of the Apostles

painting by Justus of Ghent

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June 24, 2026

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The Communion of the Apostles is a painting by Justus of Ghent, an identified master painter from the Netherlands who worked in Italy. This work, created around 1473–74 in Urbino, Italy, is his only authenticated picture. The painting shows Netherlandish influence but also incorporates elements of the Italian Early Renaissance style, such as simplified composition and idealized forms.1

The subject matter, the Last Supper, is a significant event in the New Testament where Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion and instituted the Eucharist. Christian art has traditionally depicted either Jesus revealing that one disciple would betray him or the institution of the Eucharist, with the communion of the Apostles. Early Christian art often symbolized the Eucharist with a fish, later replaced by a chalice and wafer in Western art.2

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Justus of Ghent
…Italy, where he painted the Communion of the Apostles. This is the only absolutely authenticated picture by the master. It was painted at the bidding of Federico da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino, who was introduced into the picture. Although this work is unmistakably Netherlandish, it shows that Justus had begun…
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…Italy, where he painted the Communion of the Apostles. This is the only absolutely authenticated picture by the master. It was painted at the bidding of Federico da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino, who was introduced into the picture. Although this work is unmistakably Netherlandish, it shows that Justus had begun…
Read More