Was it really a 'Last Supper' parody? Historian debunks theory about controversial Paris Olympics act

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A historian has questioned the widely circulated claim that a controversial performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a modern take on Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper".

Dutch historian Walther Schoonenberg argues that the depiction was a less traditional show about Olympic gods, challenging the initial uproar caused by the performance.

Apparent misinterpretation of Olympics act sparks controversy 

The controversy began with a scene in the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, featuring a dinner platter revealing a mostly nude Katerine singing in French, surrounded by dancers and drag queens. The setup transitioned from a still picture with performers in elaborate headdresses to a lively fashion show, showcasing Paris' style scene.

The segment drew widespread condemnation from religious conservatives globally, including the French Catholic Church's conference of bishops and the Anglican Communion in Egypt. The bishops deplored "scenes of derision," claiming they mocked Christianity.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed these sentiments, expressing deep regret and concern that the ceremony might cause the IOC to “lose its distinctive sporting identity and its humanitarian message.”

Auke Hoekstra, a researcher and social media user, roughly translated the original post by Dutch historian Walther Schoonenberg, who argued that the performance was never intended to be the 'Last Supper.' Instead, Schoonenberg suggested that the scene depicted "heathen gods gathered on Mount Olympus for a feast."

He identified various gods in the tableau: Sun god Apollo recognizable by his halo, Bacchus (Dionysus) by the grapes, Neptune (Poseidon) by his trident, Diana (Artemis) by the moon, and Venus (Aphrodite) by Cupid.

Hoekstra believed that the Olympic organizers might have been misled into apologizing for a depiction of the Last Supper, when the actual intention was to show Olympic gods having a meal, not a religious scene.

Historical analysis of controversial Olympics act and official responses

Schoonenberg claimed that the performance was based on the 1635 painting titled "The Feast of the Gods" by Jan van Bijlert. It features Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, Mars, the god of war, and Venus, the goddess of love, known for her relationships.

He acknowledged some resemblances to the Last Supper, suggesting that while the concept might have been inspired by da Vinci's creation from 1495, it was fundamentally about the gathering of Greek gods on Mount Olympus, The Guardian reported.

“All in all, this depiction of Bijlerts piece of art seems fitting, since it's about the gathering of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus and this is where the Olympic games originate,” the expert said.

Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, distanced his scene from any "Last Supper" parallels after the ceremony, emphasizing that it was meant to celebrate diversity and pay tribute to feasting and French gastronomy.

Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps addressed the outcry during an International Olympic Committee news conference.

“Clearly there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group. On the contrary, I think (with) Thomas Jolly, we really did try to celebrate community tolerance,” Descamps said. “Looking at the result of the polls that we shared, we believe that this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense we are, of course, really, really sorry.”

Jolly explained his intentions further to The Associated Press, saying, “My wish isn’t to be subversive, nor to mock or to shock. Most of all, I wanted to send a message of love, a message of inclusion and not at all to divide.”

“It is Dionysus who arrives at the table,” Jolly later said in a French TV interview. “The idea was instead to have a grand pagan festival connected to the gods of Olympus, Olympism,” he added.

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