Researcher finds hidden symbol in 'The Last Supper' possibly referencing Shroud of Turin

A Brazilian researcher has proposed a new interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic "The Last Supper," suggesting a hidden reference to the Shroud of Turin. Professor Átila Soares da Costa Filho believes the arrangement of figures in the painting mirrors the image found on the ancient linen cloth.

Da Vinci painted "The Last Supper" in the late 15th century in Milan. The fresco depicts Jesus and his apostles during their final meal before his crucifixion. Professor Soares da Costa Filho's theory centers on the composition of the figures, which he argues creates an outline resembling a body laid to rest, similar to the image on the Shroud of Turin.

The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth bearing a negative image of a man with wounds consistent with crucifixion. The researcher suggests that the tablecloth in "The Last Supper" could symbolize the Shroud itself, with the apostles' positions reflecting the body's contours visible on the cloth.

This theory has generated mixed reactions among experts. While some find it an interesting avenue for further study into the artwork's symbolism, others caution that the perceived similarities might be coincidental. There is currently no definitive proof that da Vinci intentionally included a reference to the Shroud of Turin, but the interpretation encourages a closer look at the painting's possible hidden meanings.