Last Judgement c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut print entitled, "Last Judgement." It's packed with figures, and there's a real sense of chaos and anxiety. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This print, like many depictions of the Last Judgement, visually reinforces the societal hierarchies and power structures of its time. Who gets saved, who is damned, and what does that say about the anxieties of the culture that produced it? Editor: So, it's not just about religion, but also social commentary? Curator: Absolutely. Notice how certain figures seem to be elevated while others are literally submerged. How does this relate to contemporary discussions about social justice and equity? Perhaps we can consider how this imagery has been used to justify inequalities and marginalize specific communities. Editor: That’s a lot to think about. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's important to remember that art isn’t created in a vacuum.