The Last Judgment 1570

The Last Judgement was crafted by Orthodox Icon painters using traditional materials and methods. Tempera paints, made from pigments mixed with egg yolk, were applied to a gessoed wood panel in successive layers. The process determined the appearance, with the egg tempera giving a distinctive matte surface and vibrant color. Orthodox iconography has a long and rich history of creative practices and aesthetics. These skilled traditions are not just about applying paint, they’re spiritual acts, deeply intertwined with labor and faith. Every stage, from preparing the wooden panel to applying the final brushstroke, carries symbolic meaning. The artist's work becomes a form of prayer. It challenges our contemporary understanding of the divisions between the fine and decorative arts. It's a testament to the enduring power of materials, making, and cultural context.