Isenheim Altarpiece – Matthias Grünewald

Isenheim Altarpiece

Polyptych altarpiece made for a hospital chapel

Matthias Grünewald

Artist of the Isenheim Altarpiece

1512–1516

Date the Isenheim Altarpiece was created

Polyptych

Multi-paneled altarpiece with movable wings

Monastery of St. Anthony

Original location of the altarpiece

Unterlinden Museum, Colmar

Current location

Ergotism (“St. Anthony’s Fire”)

Disease treated at the hospital

Expressive style

Emotional, distorted Northern Renaissance style

Chiaroscuro

Strong contrasts of light and dark

Distorted figures

Heighten emotional impact

Crucifixion panel

Graphic depiction of Christ’s suffering

Diseased Christ

Allows patients to identify with Christ’s pain

Lamb with chalice

Symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God

First Opening

Annunciation, Concert of Angels/Nativity, Resurrection

Resurrection panel

Christ bursts from the tomb in radiant light

Second Opening

Temptation of St. Anthony and Meeting with St. Paul

Grotesque demons

Reference ergotism hallucinations

Nikolaus Hagenauer

Sculptor of the altarpiece’s central figures

Function

Provide spiritual comfort and healing

Late medieval spirituality

Focus on suffering, redemption, and healing