I have read that when Leonardo de Vinci was forty-three years old, the Duke Ludovinco of Milan asked him to paint the dramatic scene of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.

Working slowly and giving meticulous care to details, he spent three years on the assignment. He grouped the disciples into threes, two groups on either side of the central figure of Christ. Christ’s arms are outstretched. In his right hand, he holds a cup that was painted beautifully with marvellous realism.

When the masterpiece was finished, the artist said to a friend, “Observe it and give me your opinion of it.”

“It’s wonderful!’ Exclaimed the friend. The cup is so real I cannot divert my eyes from it.”

Immediately Leonardo took a brush and drew it across the sparkling cup! As he did he exclaimed,

“Nothing shall detract from the figure of Christ!”

By Dick Innes, Daily Encounter www.actsweb.org/detoday . Used by permission.