Introduction

The eisenheim altar piece by matheus grinwalt is one of the most agonizing depictions of the crucifixion of jesus in all western art. The harrowing scene was painted for a hospital the monastery of saint antony in eisenheim, tended plague victims and those afflicted with skin diseases. Modern psychology has confirmed that the insight is right when wretchedness is held by meaning. When desolation is embraced by understanding, the anguish lessens and an ability to tolerate the pain is born.