Who painted Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment?

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment was painted by Christoph Murer in 1630.

Where can I see Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment?

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment?

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment?

Museum-quality prints of Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment

Christoph Murer , 1630

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Christoph Murer. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in plate Stimmer-Murer monogram: STM (Nagler Mon. V, 324)

About this work

Overview

Christ Tells His Disciples of the Last Judgment is a 1630 woodcut by the German printmaker Christoph Murer. Executed on laid paper, the work presents a densely populated composition in which the central figure of Christ addresses his followers, while an elaborate urban backdrop recedes into the distance.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts Christ informing his disciples about the forthcoming final judgment, a theme common in Counter‑Reformation visual culture. The raised platform and the scroll in his hand emphasize his authority, while the attentive, solemn expressions of the apostles underscore the gravity of the prophetic message.

Technique & Style

Murer employs the characteristic sharp incisions of woodcut printing, using line work and cross‑hatching to suggest volume and spatial recession. Overlapping figures and a crowded architectural setting create depth despite the monochrome medium, demonstrating how the artist achieved narrative complexity with the limited tools of the print process.

Context

Produced in early 17th‑century Germany, the print reflects the period’s emphasis on didactic religious imagery intended for broad dissemination. Woodcuts such as this were affordable and could be reproduced for devotional use, aligning with the Catholic Church’s efforts to reinforce doctrinal teachings through accessible visual media.