Heller Altarpiece (detail) 1511

This detail of the Heller Altarpiece was painted by Matthias Grünewald around the early 16th century using oil on wood. Look closely and you’ll see a hand, rendered with incredible detail. Grünewald masterfully employs oil paints to achieve subtle gradations of light and shadow, creating a tangible sense of form. The texture of the paper in the book feels almost real, as if you could reach out and turn the pages. The making of this artwork involved a deep understanding of materials and techniques. The smooth surface of the wood panel provides a stable base for the intricate layers of oil paint, allowing Grünewald to build up the image with precision. His skill as a draughtsman is evident in the detailed rendering of the hand. Considering the time, the oil paintings evidence the increasing sophistication of the artist's workshop. Craft and fine art are not so different.