Artwork

Last Judgment

Last Judgment, by German 15th Century, ink, 1490
Last Judgment, by German 15th Century, ink, 1490

Last Judgment is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Last Judgment is a hand-colored woodcut print featuring three figures in a bright, flat scene.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, wearing a golden halo and red robe, holds a spear and green branch, suggesting a narrative that balances judgment and mercy. The surrounding figures, one haloed and standing, the other kneeling in a brown robe, add to the scene's symbolic complexity.

Technique & Style

The print's simple yet deliberate style is characterized by bold colors and clear shapes, achieved through the woodcut technique. Hand-coloring adds to the visual impact.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.