Hall believes that Jesus’ action, as portrayed in the fresco, plays down the judgement. Further, Hall implies that the Elect were portrayed untraditionally, they are participatory rather than being placed on a throne (Hall, 91). Hall states “Michelangelo in this fresco seemed to be attempting to find a middle course between Renaissance optimism and Reformation pessimism about man, while recognizing truth on both sides” (Hall, 91). Hall asserts the ominous mood of the time, which was after the sack of Rome, combined with Michelangelo’s own feelings (Hall references his writings) are what Michelangelo was attempting to represent. Leo Steinberg in his article “Michelangelo’s Last Judgement as Merciful Heresy” argues against the perception that Vasari
Hall believes that Jesus’ action, as portrayed in the fresco, plays down the judgement. Further, Hall implies that the Elect were portrayed untraditionally, they are participatory rather than being placed on a throne (Hall, 91). Hall states “Michelangelo in this fresco seemed to be attempting to find a middle course between Renaissance optimism and Reformation pessimism about man, while recognizing truth on both sides” (Hall, 91). Hall asserts the ominous mood of the time, which was after the sack of Rome, combined with Michelangelo’s own feelings (Hall references his writings) are what Michelangelo was attempting to represent. Leo Steinberg in his article “Michelangelo’s Last Judgement as Merciful Heresy” argues against the perception that Vasari