The Last Judgment (Beaune Altarpiece) — History & Facts
The Last Judgment (Beaune Altarpiece) is a large polyptych painted in oil on oak panel by Rogier van der Weyden between 1443 and 1451. The work was commissioned for the Hôtel-Dieu, a hospital in Beaune, France, founded by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Burgundy. Created during the mature period of van der Weyden's career, the altarpiece was intended as a devotional image for the hospital's chapel, where it would have been seen by patients and staff. The central panel depicts the Archangel Michael weighing souls on Judgment Day, surrounded by a host of angels and the figure of Christ above, enthroned as judge.
The composition is characterized by a strong vertical axis, with Christ at the top, Michael below, and the souls being weighed in the foreground. The artist employs vivid colors, especially reds and blues, and precise detailing in the figures' garments and expressions. The light is even and clear, emphasizing the separation between the saved and the damned, a theme reinforced by the gestures and placement of the figures.
The altarpiece is notable for its detailed rendering and the emotional intensity of its figures. The altarpiece remains in the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, where it has been housed since its completion in the mid-15th century. It is considered one of the masterpieces of Northern Renaissance art and has been extensively studied for its iconography and technique. The polyptych is recognized for its influence on later depictions of the Last Judgment in European art.










