The Frankfurt Altarpiece of the Exaltation of the True Cross_The Testing of the Cross (middle right) c. 1603 - 1605

Editor: This is “The Testing of the Cross,” part of Adam Elsheimer’s "Frankfurt Altarpiece," painted in oil on copper around 1603-1605. It's striking how tactile everything looks. What details jump out at you? Curator: Elsheimer's choice of copper as a support is crucial. It wasn't merely a surface, but an active element in the creation of the image. Think about it – how does the reflectivity of the copper affect the painting's luminosity? Editor: It almost seems to glow from within! The light really catches those colors. So, you’re saying that material selection isn’t just a practical decision? Curator: Exactly. Copper allowed Elsheimer to achieve a level of detail and precision not easily attainable on canvas. Consider also the socio-economic implications. Who had access to such materials? Who were the patrons, and what did their material choices signify about their status and artistic sensibilities? Editor: So, the copper itself becomes part of the narrative – a symbol of wealth and a conscious choice for enhancing the artwork’s visual impact. How does that relate to the actual scene represented? Curator: The painting depicts a religious scene, but the real story lies in how Elsheimer employed specific materials to evoke an emotional response. It makes you consider how this artwork was made, and also its position within a specific historical and economic framework. Does knowing this alter how you view the depicted subject matter? Editor: It does! I now appreciate the interplay between the ostensible subject and the real, underlying economic forces that enabled its creation. Curator: Precisely. The "Testing of the Cross" becomes more than a historical depiction. It’s a testament to the artistic and social implications of materials. Editor: I never considered how the material base influences the art so greatly. Thanks!