Living during the 15th/16th Century, Albrecht Altdorfer’s main style was to distort the perspective of his paintings to lend a subtle effect in it that leads the observer to greater feeling and understanding of idea he wished to convey. Anthropomorphism and atmospheric scenery were often used by him. This style however changed during the latter part of his career when he adopted the Italian model of painting, which was to depict the subject in a more realistic way.
In “Christ on the Mount of Olives ”, one can see his style at work in the distortion of the figures of the apostles and the atmosphere of the surrounding landscape. Though incomplete, as it is just the sketch of the work without coloring, one can still grasp the beauty of it. Portraying the apostles as lazy personages, through their positions and appearances, he seems to be indicating their slothful spirituality when they did not join Christ in prayer when asked. The trees are seen to be drooping down toward Christ, as if sad at the Agony of the Son of God in His loneliness and anguish, making the atmosphere appropriate to the event. The accusers are running toward Christ who kneels before them with open arms, ready to forgive them. It is truly a striking and beautiful picture, and Altdorfer’s style can clearly be seen at work here lending to the picture a greater degree of sadness.
