
The Last Judgment (Michelangelo)
Michelangelo's "The Last Judgment" is a massive fresco covering the entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. Painted between 1536 and 1541, it depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment of souls. Figures are grouped to show heaven’s glory and hell’s punishment, with Christ at the center judging the living and the dead. The scene emphasizes both divine mercy and justice, illustrating the soul’s fate based on moral choices. Its dynamic composition, expressive figures, and detailed imagery highlight Michelangelo's mastery in portraying spiritual and human emotion on a grand scale.