Laatste Oordeel 1534 - 1609

Michele Greco created this engraving titled 'Laatste Oordeel'—or 'Last Judgement'—sometime between 1539 and 1609. The 16th century was a time of religious upheaval in Europe, deeply impacting people’s understanding of sin, salvation, and divine judgement. This print shows a complex scene, packed with figures ascending and descending, a visual representation of divine reckoning. Greco’s engraving invites us to reflect on how societal norms, religious expectations, and individual experiences intertwine to shape our destinies. At the center, the saved rise towards the light, while others are cast down into darkness. Consider the emotional weight of this moment. How does Greco use the figures’ expressions and body language to convey feelings of hope, despair, and resignation? 'Laatste Oordeel' serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of cultural anxieties and the eternal quest for justice, mercy, and redemption.