Small Last Judgement Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The painting depicts a chaotic and tumultuous scene of the Last Judgment, rendered in the dramatic Baroque style. At the apex, celestial figures, including Christ and the Virgin Mary, preside over the unfolding events. Below them, a swirling mass of angels and souls are depicted. Angels, some with trumpets, descend, while others are shown guiding the blessed towards salvation.

The lower portion of the painting is dominated by the damned, a writhing, tormented mass of naked bodies being dragged down into a fiery abyss, symbolizing hell. Demons and monstrous figures are interspersed among them, actively pulling and tormenting the souls. The overall composition is one of intense movement, dynamic energy, and strong contrasts between light and dark, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil, damnation and salvation.

The subtexts of this painting are deeply rooted in Christian eschatology. It visualizes the biblical account of the final judgment where all humanity will be resurrected and judged by God. The painting powerfully conveys themes of:

• Divine Justice and Wrath: The overwhelming force of divine power is evident in the separation of the blessed and the damned. Gods judgment is absolute and inescapable.
• Salvation and Damnation: The stark contrast between the ascending figures being welcomed into heaven and the descending figures being cast into hell highlights the ultimate consequences of ones earthly life and faith.
• The Frailty of Humanity: The naked, vulnerable bodies of the souls emphasize human sinfulness and the need for divine grace.
• The Power of Faith: For believers, the painting offers reassurance of ultimate redemption, while for the impenitent, it serves as a stark warning.
• The Triumph of Good over Evil: Despite the immense suffering depicted in the lower part of the composition, the presence and action of the angels and celestial beings ultimately suggest the triumph of divine order and good.