Last Judgment

fresco by Signorelli

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June 30, 2026

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Luca Signorelli's "The Last Judgment" is a fresco cycle located in the Chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto Cathedral, created between 1499 and 1502. This masterpiece is renowned for its powerful depiction of nudes in various poses that emphasize their musculature. Signorelli's work, particularly his dramatic compositions and anatomical detail, significantly influenced Michelangelo.12

While Signorelli's frescoes are celebrated for their artistic merit and anatomical precision, Michelangelo's own "The Last Judgment" fresco, completed in 1536–41, is a separate and later work in the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's fresco, inspired by Dante's The Divine Comedy, depicts the triumph of good over evil and was controversial in its time due to its pervasive nudity.32

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Luca Signorelli
…the World” and the “Last Judgment” (1499–1502), is in the chapel of S. Brizio in Orvieto cathedral. Those frescoes, which greatly influenced Michelangelo, are crowded with powerful nudes painted in many postures that accentuate their musculature. Signorelli had little sense of colour, but here his greenish and purple devils…
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…the World” and the “Last Judgment” (1499–1502), is in the chapel of S. Brizio in Orvieto cathedral. Those frescoes, which greatly influenced Michelangelo, are crowded with powerful nudes painted in many postures that accentuate their musculature. Signorelli had little sense of colour, but here his greenish and purple devils…
Read More