Ein Gebet der Tat

This insightful study explores the religious influences on early genre painting, particularly in Ein Gebet der Tat, highlighting the connection between faith and daily life.

From a contemporary viewpoint, the separation of secular and religious realms occurred at the end of the late medieval period. However, this study presents a unique perspective, demonstrating that a deeply religious atmosphere played a crucial role in shaping the emergence of genre art during the latter half of the 15th century. A novel form of piety emerged, intertwining daily life with faith and infusing reality with spiritual significance. In this context, early genre paintings served as vehicles for conveying Christian doctrinal themes and narratives from the salvation story through typified pictorial figures.

For instance, Martin Schongauer’s Peasant Family Going to Market can be interpreted as a modern rendition of the flight into Egypt, while the Wolfegg house book functions as a practical devotional guide. Similarly, Peter Christ’s A Goldsmith in his Shop illustrates a vocational scene that reflects the interplay of faith and daily work. This monograph meticulously analyzes these works to reveal the underlying religious significance and the innovative ways in which genre paintings communicated spiritual messages.

Ein Gebet der Tat ultimately sheds light on the interplay between art and piety, offering new insights into key early works of genre painting. By situating these paintings within the context of late medieval sermon practices and the doctrine of remembrance, the book enriches our understanding of how faith influenced artistic expression during this transformative period.