Last Judgement c. 15th century

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut print, "Last Judgement," from the Harvard Art Museums. I’m immediately struck by the stark contrast of black and white and the rigid, almost architectural arrangement of the figures. What do you see in the composition of this work? Curator: The composition reveals a deliberate hierarchical structure. Note how Christ, enthroned, dominates the upper register, poised above the earthly realm populated by smaller figures. The linear quality of the woodcut technique emphasizes the planar nature of the image. Can you observe how the artist uses line to define form and space? Editor: Yes, the lines create a sense of depth, but it’s also very stylized and flattened. How does this affect the overall reading of the image? Curator: The flattening effect emphasizes the symbolic nature of the scene. The stark lines create a sense of immediacy and directness, characteristic of didactic imagery intended to convey moral and theological truths. Editor: This has given me a new appreciation for the formal elements and how they contribute to the work’s meaning. Curator: Indeed, by examining the structure, we gain insights into the underlying intent of the artwork.