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The Spiritual Canvas
Museum Site Visit Report
Through art, the reflections of a community’s soul can be unearthed. Their ancient tapestries paint a picture of ones innermost hopes, fears and dreams. These elements of the afterlife inspired artistic creations such as Mark Reichlich’s Last Judgement and Tibet’s Painting of the Buddha which are displayed at The Chrysler Museum of Art. Each artist utilized techniques such as perception, symbolism, and shading to embody the spirit of a society’s religion. Many similarities and differences are readily seen through the use of these techniques in both art and literature.
Mark Reichlich vividly mirrored the fears and ideals of society in his illustration of The Last Judgement. The most readily seen tool Reichlich utilized in his illustration was perception. Alternating large and small figures on different levels of the canvas, created the impression that some figures were more powerful than others. Reichlich centered his painting on the grand illuminated figure of Christ. The figure appeared to float above the world in all his glory. Thus, like the beliefs, the painting seemed to declare Christ the most high who rules the world with his everlasting power. Perception also seemed to reflect society's class system. For instance, Christ was painted at the top, center with the angels somewhat below him while the souls of the people resided at the bottom. In society the church was usually more wealthy and powerful than the peasants therefore possessing an elevated status in the community. This idea served as being persuasive as well. The Elect were being raised up above the clouds while the damned were being dragged down to Hell’s abyss. It could easily give the poor, lower-class person hope for a better and wealthier life if they would only follow the righteous path. This idea is found in the Apocalypse of Paul, "Blessed are all they that have believed thy word that they may inherit the kingdom of God by labour . . .
Museum Site Visit Report
Through art, the reflections of a community’s soul can be unearthed. Their ancient tapestries paint a picture of ones innermost hopes, fears and dreams. These elements of the afterlife inspired artistic creations such as Mark Reichlich’s Last Judgement and Tibet’s Painting of the Buddha which are displayed at The Chrysler Museum of Art. Each artist utilized techniques such as perception, symbolism, and shading to embody the spirit of a society’s religion. Many similarities and differences are readily seen through the use of these techniques in both art and literature.
Mark Reichlich vividly mirrored the fears and ideals of society in his illustration of The Last Judgement. The most readily seen tool Reichlich utilized in his illustration was perception. Alternating large and small figures on different levels of the canvas, created the impression that some figures were more powerful than others. Reichlich centered his painting on the grand illuminated figure of Christ. The figure appeared to float above the world in all his glory. Thus, like the beliefs, the painting seemed to declare Christ the most high who rules the world with his everlasting power. Perception also seemed to reflect society's class system. For instance, Christ was painted at the top, center with the angels somewhat below him while the souls of the people resided at the bottom. In society the church was usually more wealthy and powerful than the peasants therefore possessing an elevated status in the community. This idea served as being persuasive as well. The Elect were being raised up above the clouds while the damned were being dragged down to Hell’s abyss. It could easily give the poor, lower-class person hope for a better and wealthier life if they would only follow the righteous path. This idea is found in the Apocalypse of Paul, "Blessed are all they that have believed thy word that they may inherit the kingdom of God by labour . . .