Entry 5

Last Judgement (1367)

anonymous Venetian artists

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic

mosaic

approximately 27 square meters (section)

This photograph is of a section of a large mosaic which adorns the side of the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Angels reach into coffins, assisting the dead to rise from the grave and go to be with Christ in glory. The center panel (not pictured) is adorned with the figure of Christ being adored by king Charles IV, who ordered construction of the cathedral, and various saints. The far right panel shows Satan and sinners in hell. Because this mosaic was created in the late 1300s, the figures seem to be in an almost transitional style. While they lack the flat forms popular in Byzantine art, they also fall a bit short of the literal and realistic depiction of the human form that became popular during the Renaissance. Each angelic figure, as well as the saints already risen, has a halo around their heads; however, the dead rising from their graves do not. In addition, the dead are naked, while the angels are clothed in rich garments. These details may be intended to demonstrate the superiority of heavenly beings over earthly ones. The implication is that the dead who are rising will soon be clothed in heavenly garments and have their own halos. Both symbolically and visually, this mosaic makes a stunning addition to a massive and beautiful cathedral.

Resources

http://www.radio.cz/en/article/47319

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/czech-republic/prague-cathedral

http://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle/guidepost-for-visitors/st-vitus-cathedral.shtml

http://www.prague.net/st-vitus-cathedral