Artwork
The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment is a print by the Renaissance artist Mario Cartaro. It dates from 1569 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Last Judgment is a 1569 print on paper, reproducing Michelangelo’s renowned Sistine Chapel fresco. Bearing the artist’s monogram, it captures the frenetic energy of the original, conveying the apocalyptic scene through intricate black and white lines.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting the Day of Reckoning, the print shows a central, throne-seated figure amidst swirling bodies, divided between ascension to heaven and descent to hell. Angels, demons, and symbolic elements—a crowned cross and a horn-blowing angel—emphasize the judgment’s dichotomy.
Technique & Style
Utilizing chiaroscuro, the print achieves depth through contrasting light and shadow, despite its monochrome palette. The dense composition, with twisting limbs and varied expressions, reflects the dynamic movement of the original fresco.
History & Provenance
Created in 1569, this print adapts Michelangelo’s fresco for wider dissemination, making the iconic scene accessible to a broader audience through the print medium.
Context
Part of a 16th-century trend to reproduce famous artworks in print form, The Last Judgment reflects the era’s desire for art accessibility and the influence of Michelangelo’s works on contemporary artists.
Legacy
As a reproduction of an iconic work, the print contributed to the widespread recognition and study of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, influencing perceptions of the original fresco across a broader demographic.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mario Cartaro was an engraver, draftsman, and print merchant. Active in Rome since 1560, he became famous as an engraver of works by various artists, views of the city, and – principally – maps.
