1480
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Purgatory is a 1480 ink by German 15th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a chaotic scene of people in a fiery pit. The figures are contorted and twisted, with some reaching up towards the top of the frame. The colors are bold and vibrant, with shades of orange, red, and yellow dominating the palette. In the top-left corner, a figure in a red robe and green sleeves is visible, adding a pop of color to the otherwise dark and ominous scene. The overall effect is one of turmoil and upheaval, with the figures seemingly trapped in a state of suffering. The painting's use of bold colors and dynamic composition creates a sense of energy and tension, drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the chaos. To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this piece, explore the woodcut technique.
This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.
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