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Recognitions: Theme and Metatheme in Hans Burgkmair the Elder's Santa Croce in Gerusalemme of 1504

2014; College Art Association; Volume: 96; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00043079.2014.889524

1559-6478

Mitchell B. Merback,

Reformation and Early Modern Christianity

Hans Burgkmair the Elder's Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, painted in 1504 as part of the Basilikabilder series at Augsburg's Dominican convent of St. Katherine, incorporates an intriguing catoptric motif in the Crucifixion scene. From the Good Centurion's polished armor, the reflected image of an ugly Jewish soldier stares back in horror. Blind to Jesus’ christological identity and to his own nature, he appears as an antimodel of “recognition” (anagnôrisis), which Aristotle defines in The Poetics as a “change from ignorance to knowledge.” Set in confrontation with the Centurion, who exemplifies recognition, the character thematizes an enduring challenge to Christian conscience.