Description
The Last Judgment painting by Frans Floris is a Flemish Renaissance masterpiece depicting the final judgment in which the just are separated from the sinners. The original size of the work is 164 x 221 cm, making it one of the largest paintings of its time.
Floris' artistic style is characterized by a detailed and painstaking technique, with a great ability to depict human anatomy. In the Last Judgment painting, you can see the bodies of the damned and the chosen, each in their respective place.
The composition of the work is impressive, with a large number of figures arranged in different planes and levels. At the center of the painting is Christ judging the dead, surrounded by angels and saints. To his right, the just are taken to paradise, while to his left, the damned are thrown into hell.
Color is another interesting aspect of the work, with a rich and vibrant palette. The gold and sky blue tones of paradise contrast with the reds and blacks of hell, creating a sense of tension and drama.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. It was commissioned by the Church of Saint Michael in Leuven, Belgium, in the 16th century. The work was considered so important that it was stolen by the French during the French Revolution and taken to Paris. Finally, it was returned to Louvain in 1815.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that Floris did not complete it himself. His brother, Frans Francken I, was hired to finish the work after Floris's death in 1570.
In short, Frans Floris' painting Last Judgment is a stunning work that combines detailed technique, dramatic composition, vibrant palette, and a fascinating story. It is one of the most important works of the Flemish Renaissance and continues to be a source of inspiration for artists to this day.