Archangel Michael Weighing Souls
2007 © Maxim Tabachnik
Gothic Arcades, Hôtel-Dieu (Beaune)Archangel Michael Weighing SoulsArchangel Michael Weighing SoulsArchangel MichaelThe Damned in TormentChrist the JudgeStudents in the Hôtel-Dieu CourtyardCourtyard of the Hôtel-DieuThe Blessed Led to HeavenPortrait of Nicolas RolinLuis in the Courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu (Beaune)Dragon Corbel, Great Hall

Archangel Michael Weighing SoulsRogier van der Weyden

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Detail from the Last Judgment Altarpiece (1445–50), created for Beaune’s Hôtel-Dieu. Archangel Michael holds scales to weigh souls, his calm gaze contrasting with the cosmic drama around him. Trumpeting angels herald resurrection, while Michael’s jeweled vestments and red wings embody divine authority. For the hospital’s patients, this image linked earthly suffering to the hope of eternal salvation.