The Painted Triptychs of Fifteenth-Century Germany: Case Studies of Blurred Boundaries

This book explores how German fifteenth-century painted triptychs interact with and blur boundaries, such as internal and regional, metaphysical, and artistic distinctions, through four case studies. It highlights the importance of German fifteenth-century painting and the implications of Medialität for generating meaning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

This captivating book delves into four compelling case studies that explore the intricate ways in which German fifteenth-century painted triptychs engage with and ultimately challenge diverse boundaries. Within the triptych format, these boundaries take on various forms, including transgressed frames between narrative scenes on triptych interiors, as well as interconnections between imagery on triptych interiors and exteriors. Moreover, the book examines regional boundaries between the Netherlands and Cologne, metaphysical boundaries between heaven and earth, and artistic distinctions between painting and sculpture. Through these detailed case studies, which shed new light on artists such as Conrad von Soest, Stefan Lochner, and the Master of the St. Bartholomew Altarpiece, the book underscores the profound significance of German fifteenth-century painting while offering a fresh and insightful perspective on the relationships between German triptychs and their renowned Netherlandish counterparts. Furthermore, the case studies highlight the importance of probing Medialität, or the implications of format and medium in the generation of meaning. In a concluding coda, the book assesses the triptych's enduring legacy in the age of Dürer, providing a comprehensive examination of its historical significance and ongoing impact.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463725408