The Isenheim Altarpiece (1st face) 1516

Matthias Grünewald created the first face of the Isenheim Altarpiece with oil paint on wood panel. This monumental work vividly shows the crucifixion. But look closely, and you'll notice that this isn't the idealized body we usually see. Grünewald has deliberately rendered Christ's skin torn and discolored, emphasizing the physical suffering. This kind of realism was quite a departure from earlier paintings. Consider the labor involved: grinding pigments, mixing paints, and applying layer upon layer to achieve the texture and detail we see. This skilled work, typical of the Renaissance workshop, often goes unnoticed, yet it's crucial to the work's emotional power. The altarpiece was intended for a hospital, where the patients suffered from a skin disease. Grünewald used paint to create a mirror for their own pain, offering a visceral sense of empathy, and perhaps, a glimmer of hope. So, the next time you see an artwork, remember that it's not just about the image, it's about the materials, the making, and the context that gives the work its true significance.