Artwork

The Last Judgment

The Last Judgment, by Giovanni Battista della Rovere, ink, 1596
The Last Judgment, by Giovanni Battista della Rovere, ink, 1596

The Last Judgment is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Giovanni Battista della Rovere. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Last Judgment is a drawing created by Giovanni Battista della Rovere in 1596 using pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a tumultuous scene of figures emerging from the ground, conveying a sense of chaos and urgency. The figures are intertwined, with some standing upright while others cling to each other or stretch upwards, suggesting a dramatic and emotionally charged moment.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of techniques, including quick, overlapping strokes and layered ink, to create a dense, dynamic composition. The use of cross-hatching adds depth to the drawing, while the scratchy, textured quality of the ink contributes to the overall sense of energy and turmoil.

Artist & collection

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