
The Last Judgment (by Michelangelo)
The Last Judgment is a famous fresco painted by Michelangelo on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Completed in 1541, it depicts the second coming of Christ and the final judgment of souls. Central to the composition is Christ, surrounded by saints and the resurrected, who are being judged for their earthly lives. The painting portrays themes of salvation and damnation, emphasizing moral accountability. Michelangelo's dramatic use of figures and intense expressions encapsulates the emotional weight of divine judgment, showcasing both the beauty and terror of this pivotal moment in Christian belief.