The Protestantism Reformation was a tumultuous time for people in Europe. While some people were fighting for their traditional religion of Catholicism and the ways of life in place for hundreds years, other people took a stand against the strong hand of the Pope and the Church. Leaders such as Martin Luther cried out against the excessive wealth, corruption, and worship of idols carried out by the Catholics. Those who stood behind him eventually brought about a change for those wanting to be a part of a new order or religion, the Protestants. Different regions and patrons supported and favored one religion over the other, often protecting a Protestant artist and his work from persecution by the Catholics. Other artists were not so lucky in finding aid and careers were ended.
Though holding different views, both Catholics and Protestants still focused heavily on religion as a primary subject matter. One of the most popular topics within the subject of religion was the idea of mortality and the original sin, as seen in many of the paintings and sculptures. Patrons wanted to see stories of Christ, just as before, and artists were taking huge strides towards naturalism. In contrast to the Catholic-centered art of sixteenth-century Italy, the art of sixteenth century Northern Europe takes a step away from the idealized and Classically based forms in favor of a more natural and life-like form.
A great example of a work of art showing differences between Catholic art and Protestant art, as well as the effects of the Protestant Reformation is Albrecht Durers’s “Four Apostles”. Though looking somewhat soft, each of the four apostles is portrayed in fairly natural way, showing realistic highlights and shadows of the wrinkles on their foreheads, to the manner of the alarming look in Paul’s eyes, staring directly at the viewer. The subject matter as well points to the shifting of religion and the effects of the Protestant Reformation. The apostle thought of most highly by the Catholics, Peter, the right hand man to the Pope, has been placed in the background of the painting, now fairly hidden from view. The apostles treasured most by the Protestants have been placed in the forefront of the painting, situated in positions of power and importance.
Another strong example of the differences between Catholic art and Protestant art around the Protestant Reformation is the similarities and differences between two representations of The Last Supper, by TIlman Riemenschneider and Leonardo Da Vinci, respectively. Riemenschneider’s piece is the intricately carved wooden Altarpiece of the Holy Blood, whose center panel illustrates the last supper between Christ and his disciples. The material choice speaks for the time, as wood became a very popular choice for artists, as well as showing how artists were moving towards naturalism. In his representation, Christ is situated at one end of the group of men, while Judas takes the center position. This also helps establish the fact that during this period of art, mortality, and the great sins were often depicted. So, Riemenschneider’s choice to place Judas as the focal point highlights the fact that he is one of the great sinners, and that art can and should show not only the idealized side of religion, but the sad, sinful things too.
Religion was still a source for subject matter in the North, without a doubt. However, because some Protestant groups were in favor of iconoclasm, it is important to recognize that secular subject matter also was popular in the North (especially in comparison with Northern art from the 15th century). Landscapes and moralizing subject matter were also part of the Northern art produced in the 16th century.
ReplyDelete-Prof. Bowen
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DeleteI think it is interesting that you link Judas as the focal point of The Last Supper, by Tilman Riemenschneider with the idea or mortality and sin being depicted in period art. I would not have realized the connection on my own. I find the introduction of secular subject matter to be very interesting and would have liked to see what Italians would have come up with from the time.
ReplyDelete-Jake Neumann
I find Albrecht Durers’s “Four Apostles” very interesting. I seem to think of some of this art as war... war of the arts? But having two different groups trying to gain control over the art of the time. This piece you mention, shows exactly that. Important figures for the Protestant's placed in front, and those for Catholic's placed in back. For some reason I find this very interesting.
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