Who painted The Last Judgment?

The Last Judgment was painted by William Blake in 1809.

Where can I see The Last Judgment?

The Last Judgment is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Last Judgment?

The Last Judgment is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Last Judgment

William Blake , 1809

The Last Judgment is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Last Judgment is a drawing created by William Blake around 1809, using pen and ink with wash over graphite. It is one of his 'prophetic' works, characterized by symbolic richness and imaginative depth.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a chaotic scene with numerous figures in dynamic motion. A central figure on a throne is surrounded by a halo, while others above and below move toward or away from a radiant sunburst, suggesting a moment of divine judgment.

Technique & Style

Blake employed cross-hatching, a technique involving layered, crisscrossed lines, to create texture and depth. The dense, energetic lines convey a sense of intense activity, drawing the viewer into the swirling scene.

Context

The Last Judgment is part of Blake's body of work, which was not widely recognized during his lifetime. It reflects his emphasis on imagination and symbolic expression, characteristic of his 'prophetic' series.