Passion of Christ

The Passion of Christ diverges somewhat from the normal style of Germany artist, Albrecht Altdorfer in several ways.

Introduction

The Passion of Christ is part of a series of paintings produced by Albrecht Altdorfer for the Sebastian altar of the Augustinian Canons St Florian in Linz. They all follow the same Christian themes, and also have a consistent palette, with dominant tones of yellow and red, as well as a large use of figurative art which covers the different Bible themes.

Description

The Passion of Christ is a Biblical reference which actually relates to a number of different events in the Bible. In this particular composition we find a seated individual on the left hand side, sat on an elaborate throne whilst being attended to. Soldiers line the right hand side, and present Christ to him. A series of architectural features then decorate the background, with a tall archway and a number of classical pillars setting the scene.

Much detail is added in the scene to illustrate the grand nature of this building, and the status of its leading figure. A patterned floor leads up towards the throne which has tassles hanging down, and other material hanging on either side. Christ is shown as vulnerable, and entirely overpowered, living at the mercy of his captors.

Sebastian altar of the Augustinian Canons St Florian in Linz

The Augustinian Canons' Monastery of St. Florian represents the Austrian Baroque in all its glory, and is a building which boasts extraordinary artistic value. Some of the works found here came before the Baroque era, and Altdorfer constructed a series of religious artworks in the early 16th century.

The monastery remains a popular destination for reflection and artistic discovery, though Altdorfer's work here has never been examined in as much detail as one would like.

Specialised in Landscape Painter

He was, of course, a landscape painter first and foremost yet this scene is captured indoors, albeit in a particular grand location. Without the foliage of his signature style the artist is forced to fall back on his architectural skills which thankfully are also of an impressive level. Added to this are a large number of figures who fill the foreground of the scene with acitivty and colour.

Inspiration from Bible Scenes

Many of the artist's non-landscape works were inspired by themes from religious scripture, most likely at the request of the commissioning donor. The colours in this seen are particularly bright, perhaps similar to those used by some of the stars of the Venetian School such as Giorgione and Titian. Elements of Altdorfer's work do suggeest influences from Italian Renaissance artists, but it has never been clarified one way or the other as to whether this artist spent time studying there.

Passion of Christ within European Art History

Passion of Christ is a commonly used term within Christianity that refers to several highly significant moments in the life of Jesus Christ, one of what is captured in this painting here. The row of guards, heavily armed, plus the nobleman sat down directing orders indicates that Jesus is in series circumstances at this point. Many other artists from the Netherlandish and Italian Renaissance eras have also captured scenes from this series.

Large Image

Passion of Christ in Detail by Albrecht Altdorfer