Last Judgment c. 15th century

Editor: This woodcut print, "Last Judgement" by Michel Wolgemuth, presents a stark vision of heaven and hell. The composition seems divided, righteous souls to the left, and the damned to the right. How do you interpret this division? Curator: The division speaks to the sociopolitical anxieties of the time. Consider the Reformation brewing; this image powerfully visualizes the consequences of religious choice, or perhaps, lack of choice. How does this portrayal of judgment reinforce existing power structures of the era? Editor: It’s like a visual argument, almost a propaganda piece, reinforcing those in power. I hadn't considered that before. Thanks! Curator: Exactly. Reflect on how art can become a tool, consciously or unconsciously, in shaping the very fabric of society.