Isenheim Altarpiece

Form

Polyptych: An altarpiece that consists of more than three leaves or panels

Predella: A decorative platform at the bottom of the altarpiece; often painted

Mary is sad and heartbroken

Mary Magdalen on her knees

Bottom Lamentation scene

Fiery background on the opened side, right side is resurrection rising like a fireball, soldiers on the ground, raised up in glorious clothing

Function

Suffering of patients

Placed in medical room at the front of the altarpiece

A promise of resurrection

Patients suffering will end, they will heal

When it swings open it splits christs body along the right shoulder

Amputations were common, which is another way the viewer can connect to Christ

The physical suffering was a point of identification for patients

Christ understands their pain

• you can do this, keep your pain in perspective!

Sickness and struggle isn’t going to be in the new world

Content

Rose gar

Bottom you can feel the weight and how heavy he is to cary

Opening it up

Context

Monks specialised in fire

Disease grew on fungus that grew on rye flower

LSD comes from the same

Pork fat used to heal skin- st. Anthony

Learning Objectives

16th