Last Judgement (Lochner)

The "Last Judgment" is a polyptych created around 1435 by German artist Stefan Lochner. It is believed to have originally adorned the council chamber of Cologne's City Hall. Over time, the outer wings of this grand piece were separated into twelve individual panels, which now reside in various collections in Cologne, Munich, and Frankfurt.

The inner wings of the polyptych depicted the "Martyrdom of the Apostles" while the outer panels featured figures such as "Saint Anthony Abbot" "Mary Magdalene and a Donor" and "Pope Cornelius." Lochner's rendition of the Last Judgment adheres to the artistic conventions of his time but also introduces some innovative elements, particularly in the distinctive way he dressed the angels.

The first known record of this artwork dates back to 1764 when it was housed in the Parish Church of St. Lawrence in Cologne. Today, it can be viewed at the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum in Cologne. The painting is divided into two main sections: the upper part shows Jesus, Mary, and St. John surrounded by angels, while the lower part depicts the judgment scene, with the saved ascending to heaven and the damned suffering at the hands of demons. Technical studies of the piece have uncovered detailed underdrawings and significant discoloration that occurred over the centuries.

There has been some scholarly debate about the painting's attribution and exact date, as its style and mood differ from Lochner's other known works. Some experts believe it might be an early work of his, while others think it could represent a later evolution in his artistic approach. Tree ring analysis of the wood panels suggests the earliest board dates back to 1406, indicating a probable completion date around 1425. Despite these uncertainties, the "Last Judgment" is celebrated as a significant piece in Lochner's oeuvre, admired for its dramatic impact and intricate Gothic architectural details.