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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Matthias Grünewald, Isenheim Altarpiece

The Isenheim Altarpiece is a northern Renaissance masterpiece. About Grünewald there is not much known (a.k.a., Mathis Gothart Nithart). He was contemporary with Dürer and Cranach and also as famous as them. But during those confusing times, the artist supported the peasants’ revolts and the Lutheran Reformation, so he lost the cardinal Albrecht von Brandenburg’s protection, so he had to flee to the North. There he died and was forgotten easily, to such an extent that this Altarpiece was considered done by Dürer by a long time.

So, for its spirit, composition and technique, it’s part of two worlds, the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

It’s a shocking artwork for the harshness of the images. It’s a spiritual path, not only to accompany prayers, but also to console the sick inhabitants of the Isenheim monastery.


In these important days for the whole Christianity, we suggest knowing more about the Isenheim Altarpiece.

Sources: Goetz, A. Der Isenheimer Altar. Basel, Brunnen V., 2011
Huysmans, J.-K. Grünewald: El Retablo de Isenheim. S.l., Casimiro Libros, 2011

¡Happy Easter!

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