Crucifixion and Last Judgement diptych 1426

Jan van Eyck painted this small diptych on wood panels, probably in the 1430s, and its two scenes capture both the human suffering of the Crucifixion and the glorious promise of the Last Judgement. Painted in the Netherlands, these scenes are far from neutral depictions of Biblical events. They're visual and emotional aids, designed to encourage the viewer to contemplate what is at stake when they sin. On the left panel, we see the chaotic scene of Christ's crucifixion with suffering, death and cruelty depicted in great detail. On the right, there is a strict hierarchy as Christ judges who will be saved and who will be sent to hell. The museum functions as the custodian of such moral lessons, a place where we can explore the ways in which the religious institutions of the past shaped the lives of individuals. Researching the archival records of religious institutions of the time helps us understand the social conditions that shaped this artwork.