The Last Judgment - reverse side

This is the reverse side of Rogier van der Weyden's Last Judgment polyptych, also known as the Beaune altarpiece.

A few years ago the panels on the back were separated from the front panels. Now the front and reverse sides can be displayed separately.

The reverse side shows some nice examples of trompe-l'oeil: optical illusions. The figures in the outer panels appear to be in wooden niches. And the other figures may look like marble statues, but in reality they are painted in grisaille.

The outer panels show chancellor Rolin and his wife, who commissioned the polyptych. The angels hold their families shields of arms.

In the top panels the archangel Gabriel makes his announcement to the virgin Mary.