The Last Judgment by Michelangelo
Michelangelo's The Last Judgment covers the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and is a depiction of the second coming of Christ and the final and eternal judgment by God. At the center is Christ, shown as the individual verdicts of the Last Judgment are pronounced; He looks down towards the damned. To the left of Christ is His mother, Mary, who turns her head to look down towards the saved. Surrounding Christ are large numbers of figures, the saints, and the rest of the elect. John the Baptist is on the left, and on the right is Saint Peter, holding the keys of Heaven and perhaps offering them back to Christ, as they will no longer be needed. Several of the main saints appear to be showing Christ their attributes, the evidence of their martyrdom. At the top is a group of angels on clouds, seven blowing trumpets (as described in the Book of Revelation). Others hold books that record the names of the saved and damned. As you view this painting, remember that we will all be judged at some point. Paintings like this are a good reminder for us to live faith‐filled lives and keep Jesus at the center of all that we do. It is only through Him that we can be saved.
