The last Judgment 1563

Maarten van Heemskerck made this drawing, titled 'The Last Judgement', using pen and brown ink. This is a traditional depiction of Judgement Day, the figures of Christ and God are at the top of the image looking down on souls being resurrected in their human form, ready to be judged for their sins. Heemskerck was a Dutch artist active in the 16th century, a time of great religious and political upheaval. The Protestant Reformation was challenging the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to conflicts and wars across Europe. Visual culture played a crucial role in these struggles, with both sides using art to promote their beliefs. The narrative of the Last Judgement was particularly relevant in this context, with the Catholic Church promoting the idea that only they could grant salvation. To truly understand the significance of this work, one needs to look at the changing role of religious institutions during the Reformation, and analyse the different political and religious viewpoints of the time.