The Last Judgment; Christ with lily and sword at top, flanked by Virgin and St John the Baptist interceeding on behalf of the humans below, after Dürer 1495 - 1539

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving, “The Last Judgement; Christ”, after Dürer. The image is dominated by the figure of Christ, flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, who intercede for humanity. Note the symbols of the lily and sword held by Christ: the lily, a symbol of mercy, and the sword, a symbol of divine justice. Consider how these symbols have evolved. In medieval times, the sword was prominently linked to chivalry and justice, while the lily was associated with purity and the Virgin Mary. These symbols evoke a powerful emotional response, tapping into our collective understanding of judgment and salvation. Looking at earlier depictions of divine judgment, these symbols have continuously resurfaced, adapted, and reinterpreted across different eras. They reflect our changing relationship with faith, justice, and the eternal quest for meaning.