Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment Possibly 1630

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment is a small print made by Christoph Murer in the late 16th or early 17th century. Murer lived through a time of significant religious and social upheaval. Here, Christ is depicted informing his disciples of the forthcoming Last Judgment. The print reflects the anxieties of the time, a period marked by the Reformation and the ensuing religious conflicts. Notice how the figures in the background are actively destroying buildings, perhaps representing the destruction caused by these conflicts. The disciples, seemingly ordinary working men with their tools, appear troubled by Christ's words. The inclusion of the dog might symbolize loyalty or vigilance. Murer's print invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, labor, and social unrest. It’s a powerful reminder of how personal beliefs and societal events intertwine and shape our understanding of the world.