Laatste oordeel Possibly 1590 - 1654

Cornelis Boel created this engraving titled "Laatste Oordeel," or "Last Judgement," sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During this period, the Protestant Reformation had a profound impact on religious and cultural life in Europe. Boel's depiction of the Last Judgment resonates with these themes of judgement and the consequences of one's actions. We see figures emerging from their graves, awaiting their fate, while angels and demons vie for their souls. The emotional weight of this moment is palpable, reflecting the anxieties of a society grappling with religious change and uncertainty. At the time, the concept of the Last Judgment served as a powerful reminder of morality and divine justice, offering both hope and fear to the faithful. Boel's engraving captures this complexity, inviting viewers to contemplate their own mortality and the eternal consequences of their choices.