Last Judgement (after restoration 1990-94) Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)

The fresco The Last Judgement by Michelangelo, as depicted in its post-restoration state (1990-94), is a monumental and dynamic portrayal of the biblical end times. The viewer is immediately confronted with a swirling vortex of humanity set against a vibrant blue sky.

What I see:

• Central Figures: Dominating the upper center is Christ, depicted as a powerful, muscular figure, gesturing with his right hand, presumably to cast judgment. To his left is the Virgin Mary, recoiling slightly, her head turned away, suggesting sorrow or perhaps protection.
• Ascending and Descending Souls: The vast expanse is filled with figures in various states of being. On Christs right (our left), souls are being dramatically pulled upwards, some being assisted by angels, others ascending on their own accord. On Christs left (our right), souls are being cast downwards, towards the infernal regions.
• Angels and Demons: Angels play a crucial role, some heralding the judgment with trumpets, others guiding the blessed, and still others acting as formidable enforcers, pushing the damned into the abyss. The lower regions teem with grotesque figures, demons, and the tormented souls of the damned struggling to escape their fate. Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, is depicted in a boat, ferrying souls across.
• Symbolism: Various symbols are present. The instruments of Christs Passion are scattered throughout. Most notably, in the lower section, a flayed skin is held by Saint Bartholomew, which is widely believed to be a self-portrait of Michelangelo, a poignant and humbling inclusion.
• Composition and Color: The composition is complex and theatrical, with a strong sense of movement and energy conveyed through diagonal lines and the contorted poses of the figures. The restored fresco reveals brighter, more vibrant colors than were visible before, particularly in the rich blues of the sky and the varied hues of the skin tones and drapery.

Subtexts:

• The Power and Justice of God: The fresco is a powerful theological statement about the ultimate accountability of all souls before God. Christs commanding presence and the clear separation of the saved from the damned underscore the divine justice that will be meted out.
• Humanitys Fate and Redemption: It explores the eternal human struggle between good and evil, sin and salvation. The sheer variety of human forms and expressions conveys the spectrum of human experience and the varied outcomes of ones life choices.
• Artists Reflection and Vulnerability: The inclusion of Michelangelos self-portrait as a flayed skin is a profound subtext. It can be interpreted as a representation of his own spiritual anxieties, his awareness of his own sinfulness, and his plea for mercy in the face of divine judgment. It humanizes the epic narrative by bringing the artists personal struggle into the divine sphere.
• The Church and its Authority: Painted on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, the seat of papal power, the fresco also reinforces the Churchs teachings on salvation and damnation, serving as a constant reminder to worshippers of the consequences of their faith and actions.
• The Renaissance Humanism vs. Medieval Theology: While deeply rooted in religious doctrine, Michelangelos depiction of the nude human form, inspired by classical antiquity, also reflects the humanist ideals of the Renaissance, celebrating the beauty and power of the human body even within a context of solemn judgment.
• The Impact of Time and Restoration: The after restoration designation itself carries a subtext. It speaks to the fragility of art, the passage of time, and the efforts to preserve and reveal the original intention and brilliance of the artist. The renewed vibrancy of the colors offers a fresh perspective on Michelangelos mastery.