The Last Judgement

'The Last Judgment' is a hauntingly powerful religious painting by Michelangelo, taking the form of a dramatic fresco covering the entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel within the Vatican City. This expansive work, steeped in Mannerism, a characteristic approach of the late Renaissance, depicts the Second Coming of Christ, presenting the final, eternal judgement of all humankind. Over 300 eerily lifelike figures make up the scene, with the majority being shown as nudes. These dead souls are seen rising, their eternal fates meted out by a solemn Christ whilst surrounded by saints. Subsequent restorative attempts partially covered several of the figures with painted draperies, some of which still remain.