The Carmelites and King St. Louis in 1248 1517

Jerg Ratgeb's "The Carmelites and King St. Louis in 1248" (1517) is a captivating painting depicting the historical meeting between King St. Louis IX of France and the Carmelite order during their journey to the Holy Land. The painting is characterized by its detailed, almost fantastical portrayal of this event, filled with figures and symbolic elements, a characteristic of early German Renaissance art. While the scene is set in the landscape, the figures are prominent, with the king and the Carmelite monks in their robes clearly discernible. The painting is a testament to the artistic dynamism of the time, blending historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling.