FA 30b Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Phlegm, Isenheim Altarpiece, Ergotism
1 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Matthias grunewald"s the isenheim altarpiece (oil) was located in a hospital that specialized in caring for individuals afflicted with st. anthony"s fire (ergotism). Crucifixion shows christ with terrible skin sores and suffering. The weight of christ bends the cross beam. The victim of ergotism would see himself in christ"s suffering; the viewer would identify with christ. The lamentation is cut off at the legs. The annunciation, madonna and child with angels, and resurrection are depicted. The child wears a ravaged cloth that foreshadows the loin cloth on the cross. The panel conveys that the old order will be superseded by the new. The christ of the resurrection is radiant and mystical, which promises the viewer that they too will be freed from their suffering. Albrecht durer"s self-portrait (oil) stares out directly at the viewer, instead of profile. Jan van eyck"s man in a red turban (self portrait?) shows the artist in expensive and elaborate clothes.
