During class today, we talked a bit more on the Isenheim Altarpiece and the inner panels that consisted of sculptures, a depiction of St. Anthony meeting Hermit Paul, and the Temptation of St. Anthony. The temptation was a fantastical scene with numerous hybrid creatures and had a note that could be read. All of this was for the patients at the monastery because they wanted to show that the devil will target people that are about to die and tempt them to commit sins since they won’t have time to redeem themselves but St. Anthony is a figure that can help in fighting temptations.
We also discussed the Altar of Holy Blood that was different from other altarpieces in the sense that it was completely carved as well as contain a relic. One interesting part of this altar was the carpenter that helped make the frame for this piece because he ended up getting paid more than the artist himself.
Another altarpiece we talked about was The Entombment by Raphael. This one in particular stood out because of the composition that allowed for a greater sense of movement to be felt. Having the composition he did helped his piece look more dramatic in both the expressions and the overall sense of motion which to me was a crucial part to what made his piece stand out.