Tommy Leimkuhler, 2025

While much about The Last Judgment is unknown by looking at other paintings depicting judgment scenes and the final judgment, it can be inferred that this painting is meant to remind people of their susceptibility to the final judgment. This painting portrays the sacrifice Jesus made as well as the two options people face upon their final judgment. In the bottom left hand corner are the souls of the saved. In the bottom right corner are the souls of the damned. These two groups are divided by the river of blood flowing from Christ's wounds. The damned are shown beaten and tortured by Demons, however, the saved are shown worshiping Christ. This suggests that the painting is intended to encourage people to follow the path of the saved and live morally while worshiping Jesus. Should they fall out of faith with Christ then they will be punished. An important note is that this painting is believed to have been completed around the time of the black death plague in Europe. Throughout the black death plague, religion became very important as many viewed the plague as a sign of God’s judgment.  

It was not until after this painting that judgment scenes became wildly popular, often used to decorate town halls and courtrooms. By depicting biblical scenes in town halls and courtrooms many believed that the paintings would get the leaders and administrators of justice to act morally and shun corruption. While it was not known where this painting hung, one can conclude that in similar light the purpose of this painting is to promote acts of morality and reject acts of sin and corruption.