Isenheim Altar

“Seek the truly practical life, but seek it in such a way that it does not blind you to the spirit working in it.
Seek the spirit, but seek it not out of spiritual greed, but so that you may apply it in the genuinely practical life”
~ Rudolf Steiner

The Isenheim Altarpiece

The Isenheim Altar was painted by Matthias Grünewald for the specific purpose of healing. It was commissioned by a physician, the abbot Guido Guersi, in order to assist him in the work of his hospice which specialized in the treatment of skin diseases such as syphilis, leprosy and especially St. Anthony’s fire, an affliction caused by ergot poisoning. Patients suffering these diseases were social outcasts because of the fear of contagion. The images form part of a large winged altar which describes the journey of healing more powerfully than any words can convey and it carries a deeply spiritual message that remains relevant in our time...

The Unterlinden Museum in Colmar France celebrated the 500th anniversary of this masterpiece in 2012

With the help of Micheal Schubert and Karin Jarman and the Novalis Project, we commenced a study of this important Altar piece at Easter 2011 and attended a further workshop at Whitsun 2013. We thank Michael and his wife Inka for their dedication to this study.

Pictures of the various panels of the altar piece are shared below along with photos from the workshop studies and our trip to Colmar France to see the Altar in person.

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