Herrenberger Altar 1520

This is the Herrenberg Altarpiece by Jerg Ratgeb, a large-scale painting on wood panels. Ratgeb, active in the early 16th century, chose a traditional medium for religious art, but his approach was anything but conventional. Notice the raw emotional intensity, achieved through bold colors and dynamic compositions. It is clear that an immense amount of labor went into the production of the altarpiece. This would have involved preparing the wood, mixing pigments, and meticulously applying layers of paint. Ratgeb's skill is undeniable, yet he uses that skill to convey a message of social unrest. It’s no accident that Ratgeb sympathized with the peasants during the German Peasants' War. Look closely, and you'll see a reflection of their struggle in the suffering depicted here. The altarpiece becomes a powerful statement about social justice, using the very materials of art to challenge the existing order. Understanding Ratgeb's process helps us recognize the potent political charge of his work.