“The Last Judgement,” an artwork by Hieronymus Bosch created in 1482, is an oil painting on a panel measuring 163 by 247 centimeters. A quintessential representation of the Northern Renaissance movement, this religious painting is housed at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork is a triptych comprising three panels, each depicting a distinct scene reflective of Bosch’s intricate and symbolic style. The left panel illustrates a serene and verdant paradise with Adam and Eve, juxtaposing innocence and divine grace. In stark contrast, the central panel portrays the chaotic and tormenting vision of hell, filled with nightmarish figures, surreal creatures, and vivid scenes of punishment. The right panel continues the depiction of hell’s harrowing landscape, emphasizing themes of divine judgement and eternal damnation. Above the central panel, Christ is seated in divine judgement, surrounded by angels and saints, underscoring the overarching theme of salvation and condemnation. Bosch’s use of vivid colors and meticulous detail in the artwork invites viewers to a profound contemplation of morality and the afterlife.