Jabach Altarpiece
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| Artist | Albrecht Dürer |
|---|---|
| Year | c. 1503–1504 |
| Type | Oil on panel |
| Location | Städel, Frankfurt, and Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne |
The Jabach Altarpiece is a oil on lime tree panel painting by German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, executed around 1503–1504. Once formed by three panels, only the side ones are now preserved: the right picture, measuring 96×54 cm, is housed in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum of Cologne; the left picture, measuring 96×51 cm, is housed in the Städel of Frankfurt.
History
The altarpiece had been probably commissioned by Frederick III, Elector of Saxony, for a chapel in his castle at Wittenberg, perhaps in occasion of the end of the plague in 1503.
The reconstruction of the work is disputed. Some art historians identify the central panel with the Uffizi Adoration of the Magi, while according to others there was instead a group of sculptures.[1] The Apostles on gilted background now at the Alte Pinakothek of Munich have also been associated to the polyptych: in this view, the two known paintings would form a single image on the external shutters once closed; in fact, the two paintings share a common background, and the dress of Job's wife continues to the right panel as well.[1]
In the late 18th century the work was in the private chapel of the Jabach family at Cologne, from where it was later separated and scattered to different locations.
 Sts. Joseph and Joachim, 96×54 cm, Munich. |  Sts. Simon and Lazarus, 97×55 cm, Munich |
Description
The left panel depicts the prophet Job sitting, with a desperate expression on his face, after Satan has defied him to keep his allegiance to God even in the most tremendous afflictions. These include his flock getting scattered in the other panel, while his properties are on fire at the left edge. Further, his skin is covered by blisters, an appropriate element for a painting likely originated as an ex-voto for the end of plague. His wife, dressed with Renaissance garments, is pouring dirty water above him, while a small devil flees in the far background.[1]
The right panel shows two standing musicians. The right one, with the drum, is perhaps a self-portrait. Their meaning has not been explained: they could be a further element of mockery against Job, or, instead, an attempt to console him through music.[1]
References
Sources
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jabach Altarpiece. |
- Costantino Porcu, ed. (2004). Dürer. Milan: Rizzoli.
