Der Höllensturz der Verdammten
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

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 28.08.2023)
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.

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