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...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa storiesâall reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argueâŠ
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