Artwork

The Last Judgment

The Last Judgment, by Augustin Hirschvogel, ink, 1549
The Last Judgment, by Augustin Hirschvogel, ink, 1549

The Last Judgment is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1549 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Last Judgment is a 1549 etching by Augustin Hirschvogel, a German artist known for his work in multiple fields, including mathematics and cartography.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic scene of figures fighting and strange creatures, with text in German at the bottom that appears to be a biblical quote or warning, adding to the sense of turmoil.

Technique & Style

Created using the etching technique, where a metal plate is scratched to produce the design, The Last Judgment showcases Hirschvogel's skill with this method, characteristic of the Danube School's focus on detailed landscapes and religious themes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Augustin Hirschvogel

Artist

Augustin Hirschvogel

Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.

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