Thaddeus in The Last Supper: Position and Role

Thaddeus, also known as Jude, is one of the apostles whose identification varies according to tradition. His name appears in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) and in the Acts of the Apostles. He is mentioned only once in the Gospel of John, where he is distinguished from Judas Iscariot.

For the viewer, Thaddeus is placed to the right of Christ, that is, to Christ’s own left, within the Matthew–Thaddeus–Simon group. The scene is silent but tense: Matthew turns towards Simon, and Thaddeus in turn pivots towards him, as if drawn into the movement of the discussion.

Thaddeus’s face conveys a clear emotion: furrowed brows, wrinkles across the forehead, a fixed and concentrated gaze. His right hand is raised vertically, with the thumb extended, a gesture often interpreted as a question. His left hand rests flat on the table, palm open and turned upwards, directed towards Simon.