The Last Judgment, from Thronus Justitiae, tredecim pulcherrimus tabulis..., plate 13 1606

Willem van Swanenburg created this engraving, "The Last Judgement," as part of a series during the religious and social upheaval of the early 17th century. The artwork depicts a traditional Christian vision of judgement day, but it invites us to consider the intersections of power, morality, and human experience. Figures rise from their graves, awaiting their fate, as Christ sits in judgement above. There’s an undeniable sense of drama, bodies contorted, faces etched with either terror or elation. What does it mean to visualize such a moment? The engraving uses gendered and racialized imagery that reflects the societal hierarchies of the time. Consider who is being elevated and who is being cast down, and what cultural biases might be at play. Ultimately, "The Last Judgement" prompts us to reflect on our own values and consider the legacies we leave behind. It’s a powerful reminder of the emotional weight of accountability.