Artistic Styles in the Emerging Modern World

Artistic Styles

Although one is a sculpture and the other a painting, what differences do you see in the representation of the human figure between Michelangelo's work and the altarpiece?

Isenheim Altarpiece was a canvas that shows Christ's mother carrying his dead body (after the Crucifixion). What makes the work so unique is that it opens up into different dimensions on the outer and sub-canvases. As, the bottom image will show Christ laying on alter (which is different from the main canvas). While, the two outer figures are a depiction of the torment that man is going through (with: St. Paul and St. Anthony in the images). These different elements are important, because they are showing how Gruenwald wanted to create a unique interpretation of the Crucifixion. As, he was showing Christ in his present form in: the center canvas. Then, he is signifying a change with the conflict of humankind (in the outer canvases) and what it represents (in the bottom work). When you put these different elements together, they are telling a unique story about the Crucifixion of Christ and the underlying meaning of these events. ("Isenheim Altarpiece")

Michael Angelo's Pieta is the depiction of the same event. The only difference is that he is trying to show everyone how: the incident would appear at the time it was taking place. As, a near life like statue is: depicting Christ's mother holding his lifeless body. This is important, because it is showing how: Michael Angelo would use naturalism and balance to create an image of these events. This gives everyone a different interpretation of the Crucifixion and its underlying meanings by: not trying to tie various religious symbols to the work. Instead, it is him creating an actual interpretation of the events and how they would have been seen from someone who is standing nearby. Once this occurs, it is providing a greater appreciation of this situation and its actual meaning. (Holroyd)

These art works were created during the Renaissance. How do they illustrate Renaissance values and ideals?

The most common values / ideals that these different canvases are illustrating include: balance / proportion and the chiaraiso. The use of balance and proportion is utilized in both works through: showing life like images of subjects. In the case of Michael Angelo's Pieta, he is taking this one step further by illustrating real life images that were taking place. Once this occurred, it meant that everyone could relate and understand these ideas. Where, this is giving a sense of realism in the various works of art. (Richardson)