THE LAST SUPPER by Moira Doggett

Oil on Canvas 62 ins. x 48 ins.

The painting depicts twelve outstanding monarchs of England (and. Wessex) as the twelve disciples, chosen as those whose virtues outweighed their weaknesses.

Portraits included. in the painting show - from Christ's right hand - our present Queen, George VI, George V, William IV, Henry II, Edgar the Peaceable, Athelston, Alfred the Great, Edward the Confessor, Henry VI, Edward VII, and. Elizabeth I.

The painting has necessarily involved extensive research, showing as it does the likenesses of so many of our monarchs, splendidly arrayed in the full coronation regalia of their periods. Even the rich adornments of the table are, apart from the early period, authentic pieces of their time and the scene is set in the Chamber of the House of Lords through its political connotations and the changing level of power of sovereigns over the centuries. Christ is placed before the throne, indicating that He needs no Throne and no Crown, yet is Lord over all.

The moment in time of the painting comes slightly later in the course of the Last Supper than in treatment of the subject by other artists. The simple, unadorned figure of Christ has already announced his imminent betrayal and the royal 'disciples' have begun to speculate and examine their consciences, with the 'Judas' king showing his fear.

The central issues raised by the painting are comparisons between spiritual and temporal sovereignty.