Panels from the High Altar of the Charterhouse of Saint-Honoré, Thuison-les-Abbeville: Saint John the Baptist 1490 - 1500

Editor: This is one of the Panels from the High Altar of the Charterhouse of Saint-Honoré, Thuison-les-Abbeville, depicting Saint John the Baptist. It was made around 1490 to 1500 by an anonymous artist using oil paint on panel and it's currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. I’m immediately struck by how elongated the figure is and the intricate detailing, particularly in the architecture behind the saint. What catches your eye? Curator: Initially, I am drawn to the interplay between line and plane. Note how the artist uses vertical lines in the architectural setting to draw the eye upwards, contrasting with the broader planes of the saint's robes. How do you see the color functioning here? Editor: Well, the red robe definitely dominates the composition. It seems to both frame the figure and flatten the picture plane. Curator: Precisely. And consider the application of the paint. See how the red pigment, while visually striking, lacks depth, contributing to the painting's overall flatness, which pushes our eyes to focus on other details, such as the articulation of hands or the slight disjunction of scale in relation to the setting. Is it meant to feel like a realistic depiction or an abstract and decorative display of form? Editor: I see what you mean! It’s as if the artist prioritized symbolic representation and the formal elements over pure naturalism. Curator: Indeed. Reflect upon how these choices contribute to the artwork's overall aesthetic and its ability to evoke a spiritual presence without adhering strictly to naturalistic conventions. Editor: So, focusing on the form and the composition helps us understand the artistic intentions behind it. Thanks, that was insightful! Curator: My pleasure. A close study of these elements unlocks layers of meaning within the work itself.