The Last Judgment

1606

Willem Swanenburgh, after Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael

Associated Names
Willem van Swanenburgh

Artist, Dutch, 1580 - 1612

Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael

Artist, Dutch, c. 1566 - 1638

Christoffel van Sichem I

Publisher, Dutch, 1546 - 1624

This is a drawing of a scene featuring numerous figures in a supernatural setting. The artwork shows a complex composition of figures arranged across what appears to be a celestial gathering or judgment. The scene is divided into several tiers of action, with clouds supporting various characters in the sky. Ethereal beings and other figures are interacting, surrounded by dramatic clouds and symbols like a cross and a weighing scale. The lower section depicts figures in dynamic poses, with some ascending upwards. The figures are detailed, showing motion, emotion, and varying degrees of divine or mortal characteristics. The artwork uses chiaroscuro to create depth and theatrical lighting.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30.7 × 39.4 cm (12 1/16 × 15 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 31 × 39.6 cm (12 3/16 × 15 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.92.614

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 62, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(David Tunick, Inc., New York); Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased May 23, 1975; Gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger: no. 62, i/ii

Inscriptions

lettered in image, at lower center: IWtewael inue. / GSwanenburch sculp. 1606; in image, at lower left: Cristoffel von Sichem excudit.; lettered in margin: Consulti Juris, Themidique addicte Senatus / Et quibus incumbit ius dare cuique suum. / Hoc agite. En istud cum stabitis ante tribunal, / Tunc ratio est ipsi (credite) danda Deo. / Sed quia nemo tenet venturi judicis horam, / Orate, & votis in vigilate pijs. / Ne tuba terribili sonitu modo personet aures / Forsan, & irato judicet ore Deus.; on verso, in graphite, by various later hands: 20 Bo; 16924; W. 32. Various differences (?); C35940; The Last Judgement, D74KB519 (?) W. Swanenburgh I, after J. Uytewael 325

Wikidata ID

Q76557341

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