Although born in Germany, Hans Memling spent most of his career working in the Flemish town of Bruges. Last Judgment is a wonderful example of his distinct style, which combines Germanic spirituality and gracefulness with the Flemish obsession for rich, naturalistic detail. This triptych, one of the earliest and most remarkable of Memling’s works, depicts Christ’s Last Judgment of humankind, a theme commonly treated in art of the time. Scenes, like this one, depicting an apocalyptic vision of Judgment Day were often intended to warn against sin by illustrating the potential fate of those who turned away from the Christian Church. This image depicts the left wing of the triptych, in which Memling displays the glories awaiting the faithful. St. Peter, holding a key, welcomes the righteous souls and angels garb them in holy robes as they walk up the crystal staircase that leads to the gates of paradise, symbolized by an elegant Gothic cathedral facade. Typical of Memling’s style is the brilliant coloring, graceful figures and the convincing representation of various textures. ; 87.8 x 28.3 in (wing)