Carefully examine the following works, and read about each one in your textbook, course and video lectures, and through reliable internet resources:

The role of religion in art creation during Europe’s High Renaissance and Baroque period was crucial. The following paintings, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling, Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, Durer’s Four Apostles, Caravaggio’s The Calling of St. Matthew, and Rubens’ The Raising of the Cross, were influenced by religion and reflect their respective religious contexts.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling, created between 1508-1512, reflects the religious context of the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. It contains many biblical scenes including Adam’s Creation and the Last Judgment. It served as a visual representation of the Catholic Church’s power and authority. The painting’s grandeur and vivid colors were meant to inspire and awe viewers.

Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, created between 1510-1515, was influenced by the religious context of the Protestant Reformation. This altarpiece was created by The Order of St. Anthony to help people suffering from skin disease. The painting depicts a suffering Christ, emphasizing the idea of Christ’s human suffering and sacrifice. This message was particularly relevant to the Order’s mission of caring for the sick.

Durer’s Four Apostles, created in 1526, reflects the religious context of the Protestant Reformation. This painting shows four apostles including John the Evangelist who is holding a Bible. This emphasizes the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on reading and interpreting the Bible for oneself. The painting’s detailed and realistic style reflects the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on realism and the individual’s relationship with God.

Caravaggio’s The Calling of St. Matthew, created between 1599-1600, reflects the religious context of the Counter-Reformation. The painting depicts St. Matthew being called by Jesus, emphasizing the Catholic Church’s message of salvation through obedience to God. The painting’s use of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, emphasizes the dramatic moment and conveys a sense of realism.

Rubens’ The Raising of the Cross, created between 1610-1611, reflects the religious context of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. This painting shows Christ on the cross surrounded by mourners and people praying. The painting’s grandeur and dramatic style are meant to inspire awe and reverence for Christ’s sacrifice.

Patronage of paintings influences their creation. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling was commissioned by Pope Julius II, emphasizing the power and authority of the Catholic Church. Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece was commissioned by the Order of St. Anthony, emphasizing the importance of caring for the sick. Durer’s Four Apostles was not commissioned but created for the City Council of Nuremberg, reflecting the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on the individual’s relationship with God. Caravaggio’s The Calling of St. Matthew was commissioned by the Contarelli Chapel, emphasizing the Catholic Church’s message of salvation through obedience to God. Rubens’ The Raising of the Cross was commissioned by the Catholic Church, emphasizing the importance of Christ’s sacrifice and the power of the Catholic Church.

Each painting’s style, and its specific visual features contributed or reflected the overall meaning or context of that religion. Michelangelo’s use of vivid colors and grandeur emphasized the power and authority of the Catholic Church. Grünewald’s emphasis on Christ’s human suffering and sacrifice reflected the Order of St. Anthony’s mission of caring for the sick. Durer’s emphasis on realism and the individual’s relationship with God reflected the Protestant Reformation’s values. Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro emphasized the dramatic moment and conveyed a sense of realism. Rubens’ use of grandeur and drama emphasized the power of the