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To: Fitzcarraldo
The Resurrection, from the Isenheim Altarpiece, by Matthias GRÜNEWALD


160 posted on 06/09/2005 2:11:06 PM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Fitzcarraldo
The Isenheim Altarpiece by Grunewald is a wonderful High Northern Renaissance work from shortly after 1500. But even in this piece the artist had "abstracted" from reality.

In the first view, note how much bigger Christ is than the other figures. Of course, this is symbolic, as is his already decaying body. Notice in the last shot of the Resurrection that the decay has disappeared, and that he is vanishing into the halo of light.

It is great to see all three levels. It is rare in art history books to see the innermost level with St. Anthony. Thanks Fitzcalrrado.

A good work to contrast with Grunewald, from Germany, is the Resurrection by Piero della Francesa. The treatment of the bodies, proportions, geometric composition is all different. Also, count the legs of the guards. How "realistic" is Piero being? (He was actually admired by Cezanne and Picasso and others for the "abstract" qualities within his works.)

Resurrection by the Italian Piero della Francesca, mid 16th century.

161 posted on 06/09/2005 2:37:22 PM PDT by Republicanprofessor
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