Das Ende der Welt ist nicht das Ende der Tugend. Tintorettos Jüngstes Gericht für Venedig

Tintoretto's Last Judgement of Madonna dell'Orto in Venice includes an unusual detail: the scene of a flood. While Tintoretto refers to Michelangelo's Sixtine Chapel Judgement in form and structure, the depiction of masses of water or the small boat riding down the stream seems unprecedented in that context. As no attempts have been made so far to interpret these unique details, the aim of this article is to set forth and put up for discussion a new approach to Tintoretto's Last Judgement. In particular, it argues that these details reflect the virtuous ideals of the Republic; this suggests the conclusion that Tintoretto has created a judgement for the people of Venice.