Which element in "Last Judgement" by Michelangelo represents chaos and tumult?

In "Last Judgement" by Michelangelo, the depiction of chaos and tumult is most effectively represented by the nude figures. These figures, positioned in a disordered array, convey a sense of dynamic movement and emotional intensity. They portray a range of human emotions from despair to ecstasy as they react to the judgment of their souls. The nudity of these figures, which strips them of societal and status identifiers, further amplifies the raw human experience of fear, confusion, and tumult that is conveyed during this pivotal moment of divine judgment.

The overall composition of the figures, their positions, and the dramatic gestures each individual displays contribute to a chaotic scene that captures the essence of upheaval as individuals confront their fates. Each figure seems to be caught in a whirlwind of emotion and movement, symbolizing the tumultuous nature of the moment being depicted in the context of final judgment.

Other elements, like the radiant blue sky or the dark sky and orange flames, serve different narrative purposes within the painting. The sky creates an atmosphere that is mood-indicative rather than a focal point of chaos, while grave figures typically evoke a sense of solemnity rather than tumult.