KING'S CHAPEL
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Picture
A dramatic depiction of The Last Supper, most people throughout King’s Chapel history have known this painting as “The Benjamin West Painting.” But as it turns out, the painting is one of the most mysterious and elusive pieces within the walls of King’s Chapel. 
​

The Painting first appeared in church records around the 1750s, when a group of women at King’s Chapel presented the painting as a gift to the church, with the hopes that it might be added to the sanctuary as an altarpiece. However, this did not end up happening. Instead, the painting appears to have been transported to Reverend Henry Caner’s home and remained there until the American Revolution broke out and he fled Boston in 1776. His home was attacked and at least his personal library was damaged. Members of the church leadership were able to get the painting relocated to John Hancock’s mansion, where the painting would be kept safe throughout the war. After Hancock’s death, the painting eventually found its way back home to the chapel.

By 1800, the church members were referring to the painting as a Benjamin West piece,  due to the signature at the bottom, “B. West”, and so the story took hold. But in recent years, King’s Chapel learned some very interesting details about the painting. An expert from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston examined the painting and revealed it was, without a doubt, not by famed painter Benjamin West at all, and the presumed signature was forged! He instead believed the painting was probably by a minor Flemish master working in the 16th/17th centuries. Based on the style in which the artist painted the human feet in the painting, the MFA expert thought the artist was familiar with the works of Caravaggio (Italian painter, 1571-1610). In under 10 minutes, everything King’s Chapel thought they knew about this painting for 260 years was turned upside down.

This goes to show that despite close examination of records, history remains full of secrets that still need uncovering, and that curiosity can still reap surprising results.

​
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome
      • Calendar
      • Clergy & Staff
      • Contact Us & Directions >
        • Send A Message
      • Employment Opportunities >
        • Church Sexton Position
        • Assistant Minister Position
  • Worship
    • Holy Week 2023
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Lent 2023
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
    • Musical Inquiries
  • History & Tours
    • Plan Your Visit >
      • 2023 At A Glance
      • Guided Tour Offerings >
        • Group Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
    • Online Exhibits >
      • Queen's Chapel: Women's History at King's Chapel
      • Revolutionary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
      • Literary King's Chapel
      • Uncovering the Past: Exploring Black History Through Primary Sources
    • History Events & Programs >
      • Past Events & Programs
      • Recorded History Programs
    • Christmas History at King's Chapel >
      • Decking the Halls: The History of Decorating with Greens
      • Christmas Lights: Then and Now
      • 18th & 19th Century Christmas Services & Music
      • Christmas Feasts & Treats Throughout History
      • Holiday History Trivia
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Community
    • News & Updates >
      • Parish Community News
      • Between Sundays Archive
    • Community from Home
    • Community Action Committee >
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Memorial to Enslaved Persons
    • Environmental Action Initiative
    • Join King's Chapel
    • For Members >
      • Budget Meeting 2023
      • Partner Church Sunday 2022
      • KC Bylaws
      • 2022- 2023 Church Leadership
  • Giving
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Stewardship >
      • Pledge
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • Member Action Initiative