Book description
Andree Hayum approaches Matthias Grunewald's Isenheim Altarpiece, now at the Musee d'Unterlinden in Colmar, as a structural and iconographic entity and restores it to its broader cultural context in the early sixteenth century. She interprets the altarpiece in terms of its hospital context, then explores how this polyptych functions asâŠ
Why read it?
1 author picked The Isenheim Altarpiece as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I was overwhelmed as I stood before GrĂŒnewaldâs 16th-century Crucifixion in Colburg, France. At almost nine feet tall, the powerful Crucifixion was at the time the largest ever painted in Europe.Â
Blood flows from Christâs side and head, which hangs low into the breast. Some of the thorns have broken off and are projected into the flesh, which is marked with pustules, sores, and lesions. The wounds are visible, the ribs protrude, and the skin and lip colors evoke death. The nails have become instruments of torture.Â
Hayumâs comprehensive historical investigations underscore the healing mission of GrĂŒnewaldâs Crucifixion: uglinessâŠ
From Mark's list on Books that examine beauty and ugliness.
If you love The Isenheim Altarpiece...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancĂ©, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, HeddaâŠ
Want books like The Isenheim Altarpiece?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Isenheim Altarpiece.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,366
readers submitted
so far, will you?
đ If you like The Isenheim Altarpiece, you might also like...
Deadly Revenge
Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed withâŠ
The Duty of Memory
Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.
This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and womenâŠ
