Who painted Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part)?

Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part) was painted by Hans Holbein the Elder in 1501.

Where can I see Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part)?

Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part) is held by Städel Museum.

What movement is Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part)?

Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part) is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part)

Hans Holbein the Elder , 1501

Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part) is a mixed painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Elder. It dates from 1501 and is held in the collection of the Städel Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Frankfurt Dominican Altarpiece: Tree of Jesse (upper part) is a painted wooden panel created in 1501 by Hans Holbein the Elder, a prominent figure in early German Renaissance art. Crafted from spruce, it represents a pivotal religious theme.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a central female figure in blue (likely the Virgin Mary) holding an infant, surrounded by six male figures on branching vines, the panel illustrates a genealogical theme, possibly the Tree of Jesse, symbolizing the lineage of Christ. Halos and crowns signify the sacred nature of the subjects.

Technique & Style

Characterized by meticulous detail (evident in draped clothing) and a vibrant color palette dominated by blues, golds, and the contrast of a light-brick background, the work exemplifies Northern Renaissance attention to detail and chromatic richness.

History & Provenance

Created by Hans Holbein the Elder in 1501, the panel is now part of the Städel Museum's collection, highlighting its preservation and public accessibility.

Context

As a work of the Northern Renaissance, it reflects the period's religious themes and artistic meticulousness, also showcasing Holbein's influence as a precursor to his more renowned sons, Ambrosius and Hans Holbein the Younger.

Legacy

While specific direct influences are not detailed, the piece contributes to the broader appreciation of Hans Holbein the Elder's contributions to early German art, often overshadowed by his sons' later achievements.

Artist & collection

Artist

Hans Holbein the Elder

Hans Holbein the Elder (c. 1460/65 – 1524) was a German painter of the early German Renaissance. He was the father of painters Ambrosius and Hans the Younger.