How ancient Egyptians painted women white and men more swarthy in colour. Separately, colour coding of devils brought similar distinctions.
Signorelli
Often overlooked, a Tuscan master of the Renaissance, whose large frescos in the cathedral of Orvieto show the events of the Apocalypse and Last Judgement.
Depicted as a physical place full of demons, torment and eternal suffering, and a deterrent to all those who commit sins on earth.
At the time, Raphael was recognised as one of the most important artists in the whole Renaissance. Here’s his starting point, set by Giorgione, Perugino and others.
Deep underground, Satan and his demons are torturing and tormenting naked people. If you don’t live an exemplary life, that may be what you get in return.
There’s a lot more to this painting than first meets the eye: a bit of Brueghel, some Leighton, and even some Signorelli.
The Eclectic Light Company 