Description
The painting St Peter (Grabow) Altarpiece: Nativity by the artist Maestro Bertram is a masterpiece of German Gothic art from the 14th century. This painting is one of the artist's most outstanding and is in the collection of the Hamburg Art Museum.
The artistic style of the painting is typical of German Gothic, with great attention to detail and heavy use of light and shadow to create depth and texture. The composition of the painting is very complex, with multiple figures interacting in a limited space. The central figure of the painting is the Virgin Mary, who holds the baby Jesus in her arms. Around him, there are various characters, including Saint Joseph, the Three Wise Men and the shepherds.
The paint color is very rich and vibrant, with warm tones of red, orange and gold contrasting with cool tones of blue and green. The painting also features ornamental details in gold, reflecting the wealth of the church and the importance of the scene depicted.
The history of the painting is interesting, since the exact place where it was originally located is unknown. The painting is believed to have been created for St. Peter's Church in Grabow, but was moved to Hamburg in the 19th century. Furthermore, the painting was damaged during World War II and had to be restored on several occasions.
A little known aspect of the painting is that the Master Bertram also painted a larger version of the same scene, which is in the Berlin Art Museum. The Hamburg version is smaller and is believed to have been created as part of a portable altar to be used in processions and travel.
In summary, the painting St Peter (Grabow) Altarpiece: Nativity by Master Bertram is a masterpiece of German Gothic art, with a complex composition, intense use of color and attention to detail that make it unique. Its history and its importance in medieval art make it a work of great historical and artistic value.