Der Höllensturz der Verdammten,

um 1621

Material / Technology / Carrier

Holz

Dimensions of the object

286 x 224 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal VIII

Department

Flämische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

320

Acquisition

1806 aus der Galerie Düsseldorf

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Peter Paul Rubens, Der Höllensturz der Verdammten, um 1621, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/7yxYmWNxYm (Last updated on 30.01.2023)

Unlike other depictions of the Last Judgement, Rubens concentrates soley here on the Fall and renders this in a monumental format. Horror and the inescapability of the event are captured in a masterly style. Sinners, devil-like figures, and demoniacal hybrid creatures are condensed to form a diagonal that turns into a swirling mass. It renders the powerful pull of Hell’s fire visible, as described in the Gospel of St. Matthew (25:41). It does not require much fantasy to imagine the screams of horror coming from the damned and the infernal noise.