“The Last Judgment” is a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, created in 1511. It is part of the “The Small Passion” series and belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. The piece falls under the religious painting genre and is housed in the British Museum in London, UK.
The woodcut depicts the Christian scene of the Last Judgment. At the center is the figure of Christ, seated majestically on a cloud, exuding an aura of divine authority. His right hand is raised in a gesture that suggests he is passing judgement, while his left hand rests near his side. Surrounding Christ are several figures: angels with trumpets, and others who may represent saints or Apocalyptic figures, all within a celestial context. Below, the artwork presents contrasting fates: the saved souls are guided to heaven on Christ’s right, while the damned are herded by grotesque demons towards hell on His left. This vivid dichotomy of salvation and damnation is a frequent theme in artworks depicting the Last Judgment. The composition is rich with detail and symbolic elements, typical of Dürer’s intricate woodcuts and his investment in theological themes.
