Focus on this artwork and discuss the Historical Context.
Counter-Reformation also referred to as the Catholic Reformation, took place during the period of Catholic resurgence which started because of Protestant Reformation. The Catholic Church of the Counter-Reformation heavily relied on sacred art to exemplify the glory in faith yet the terror for non-believers. The motive of the Reformation was intended to reintroduce old stories and ancient truths to the modern generation through various artists.
Velazquez's religious paintings had great influence on others due his works on the Passion of Jesus. The passion was the time period before the death of Jesus Christ, which includes numerous events and interactions with Jesus, such as the Last Supper, Jesus's arrest, his crucifixion and death, his burial, etc.  For the Last Supper, Jesus imposed that bread and wine would symbolize the body and blood of Christ. It is important to recognize that after the Crucifixion of Christ, in remembrance of Jesus, followers would consume bread and wine for a monthly communion, also known as Transubstantiation. With great influence of Transubstantiation, the body of Christ became overemphasized. In Velazquez's painting of Crucifixion of Christ, Christ's severe body was greatly influential to followers of Christ to glorify God. Believers of Christ felt that the painting would evoke their soul for the desire to praise God.
Last Supper arrest Transubstantiation Crucifixion of Christ Reformation burial Passion of Jesus crucifixion and death Counter-Reformation Protestant Reformation.