Masaccio And Grunewalds Comparison

Compare and Contrast Essay
There are two important historical artworks that I will compare and contrast. Why are these important? They represent a ground breaking first for artists that pave the way for future artists to emulate. They represent artist’s first use of linear perspective and the first for depicting Christ in an unflattering style. Although similar in subject matter the two works of art are vastly different. Masaccio’s use of one-point linear perspective to create the illusion of depth was a significant first for artists while Grunewald’s painting shows Christ in a disturbing and gruesome way viewers had never viewed before. Masaccio wanted to display a mathematical/scientific and realistic representation and Grunewald was more
The fresco is located on the wall of the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. Brunelleschi’s experiments on linear perspective and architecture had an influence on Masaccio’s art. Masaccio favored a natural realistic illustration of the world and used the tromp l’oeil effect. This fresco incorporates classical antiquity of the Roman style of architecture.
The second work of art is an oil painting on wood panel titled “Isenheim Altarpiece” by artist Grunewald in (dates). It was located in the chapel of the St. Anthony abbey hospital near Colmar, Germany. St. Bridget of Sweden described in detail the death of Christ which inspired Grunewald. Grunewald favored the medieval style which used unrestricted gesture and intense expressions.
In comparison both works of art are religious traditional works of art that illustrate the Crucifixion. Similarly, they were devotional works of art to aid in prayer. In both works of art the message is equivalent; that you will have redemption and be saved through Christ. The depictions of the Virgin Mary parallel each other in that she is shown mournful and in despair, and John the Evangelist is present and by her side in both pieces. Both works tell a story of the sacred truth as the teachings of the Catholic Church. However the path to the message is
The “Holy Trinity” was for Church patrons and they would feel sympathy for Christ on the cross. By looking at this piece they could gain an understanding of the Trinity that the path to salvation is through Christ. The difference in the “Isenheim Altarpiece” is for hospital patients with skin diseases. Patients would be comforted and put at ease by knowing what Christ went through for them. In the “Holy Trinity” the viewers could appreciate the gift of redemption by looking at Mary’s mournful expression and Christ’s ill-fated face and wounded body. In the “Isenheim Altarpiece” Grunewald exaggerated Christ body condition to emphasize pain and suffering, so the patients could identify with him. In the “Holy Trinity” viewers would be in awe of this piece of work due to the illusion of a recessed niche. Viewers would look up at this piece and see the architecture, the Roman triumphal arch with a coffered ceiling, barrel vault, pilasters and columns. By viewing the “Isenheim Altarpiece” patients could identify with the depiction of Christ and like them he was suffering on earth and it gave them a sense of relief that in the afterlife they will have redemption and hopes that they will be free from the