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The Raising of the Cross [center, left, and right panels] by Master of the Starck Triptych

Master of the Starck Triptych · c. 1480/1490

"The Raising of the Cross," painted around 1485 by the artist known as the Master of the Starck Triptych, is a powerful religious work now in a private collection. While the painting centers on a moment of profound suffering, it's also filled with the artist's keen observations of the world around him.

Look closely at the figures in the foreground, particularly the small details often overlooked. You'll find a dog resting calmly amidst the discarded tools, a mundane yet striking inclusion against the dramatic backdrop.

This anonymous artist, active in the late 15th century, created works characterized by intricate details and a dynamic atmosphere. The inclusion of such a detail, a simple dog and tools, offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the period, grounding the monumental religious event in human reality.

What other small, unexpected details do you notice in historical paintings?

Details

It was painted by an artist known only as 'Master of the Starck Triptych'.
It was painted by an artist known only as 'Master of the Starck Triptych'.
Notice the crowd, straining to raise the cross.
Notice the crowd, straining to raise the cross.
But look closely at the foreground, past the robed figures.
But look closely at the foreground, past the robed figures.
A figure of authority or opposition, observing the event.
A figure of authority or opposition, observing the event.
Transcript

This painting shows a moment of immense drama and suffering. It was painted by an artist known only as 'Master of the Starck Triptych'. Notice the crowd, straining to raise the cross. But look closely at the foreground, past the robed figures. Amidst the solemn scene, a dog rests by discarded tools. This detail grounds the drama in everyday life of the 1480s.