Isenheim altarpiece


Isenheim altarpiece. Matthias Grünewald. c. 1512–1516 C.E. Oil on wood.
  • ENORMOUS MOVEABLE ALTARPIECE; MADE FOR A HOSPITAL; ST. ANTHONY HEALED SKIN DISEASES; MONKS CARED FOR SICK AND DYING PEASANTS; SCULPTED AND WOODEN POPULAR IN GERMANY; 3 SAINTS: ANTHONY, JEROME, AND ST. AUGUSTINE SYMMETRICAL AND MATHEMATICAL
  • PAINTED PANELS; HELL ON EARTH; PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TORMENT; PSYCHEDELIC COLORS; EERIE, OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPE
  • DISTORTED CHRIST; BODY MARKED WITH POX; EMPATHETIC PHYSICAL SUFFERING WAS INTENDED TO BE THAUMATURGIC (MIRACLE PERFORMING); VIRGIN SWOONS, ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST HOLDS HER
  • THE PUNCTURED, SPRAWLING BODY OF CHRIST IS PRESENTED AS AN INVITATION TO CONTEMPLATE MORTALITY AND RESURRECTION

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