Purgatory 

The Limbourg brothers created this miniature painting of Purgatory around 1410, using pigment on vellum. The image depicts an intermediary space between heaven and hell, reflecting the religious beliefs of the late medieval period. The painting employs visual codes to convey meaning. Angels are shown rescuing souls from the fiery depths, offering hope for redemption. The stark contrast between the suffering figures and the serene angels highlights the power of divine intervention. This imagery served as a potent reminder of the Church's authority and its role in salvation. This work was produced at a time when the Church held immense social and political influence. Examining such illuminated manuscripts offers insights into the period's religious, social and institutional histories. Art historians consult theological texts, illuminated manuscripts and records of the commissioning of the painting to better understand the ideas of the time. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.