Oordeel van Pluto 1727

Bernard Picart created this print, "The Judgment of Pluto", sometime between 1693 and 1733, during the Enlightenment. It presents a vision of the underworld, a space for moral reckoning. Picart was working in a time when traditional religious authority was being questioned. Here, Pluto, the god of the underworld, is depicted passing judgment on souls, a powerful commentary on justice, morality, and social order. In front of Pluto are figures awaiting judgement, each representing a different societal role. The stark contrast between the figures, and the setting evokes the intersection of power, gender and class. Picart uses classical mythology to explore the complexities of human behavior and societal norms. This underworld becomes a mirror reflecting the values and anxieties of his time. "The Judgment of Pluto" asks us to consider what happens when earthly power is stripped away, and all that remains is our deeds. It invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the legacies we leave behind.