Christ as Judge Surrounded by Saints (upper central section of the Last Judgment) 1548

Niccolò della Casa's "Christ as Judge Surrounded by Saints" is a powerful depiction of the Last Judgment, a central theme in Christian art. Created in 1548, just a year before the artist’s death, the black chalk drawing captures the dramatic moment when Christ, surrounded by angels and saints, judges the souls of the departed. The figures are rendered with intricate detail, their expressions ranging from fear and despair to hope and joy, as they face their eternal fate. The drawing's composition and use of light and shadow create a sense of depth and grandeur, highlighting the weight of the divine judgment. This captivating work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artist's mastery of drawing and his understanding of the profound themes of the Last Judgment.