Kaisheimer Altar: Auferstehung Christi

Hans Holbein the Elder painted this Resurrection for the Kaisheim Altar in 1502. The Resurrection, showing Christ triumphant over death, was the climactic scene of the Passion cycle. Holbein's treatment combines the supernatural radiance of the risen Christ with the startled reactions of the tomb guards. The tempera medium required careful preparation on a gessoed panel and a disciplined layering technique that produced precise, durable surfaces suited to the intricate detail expected of devotional painting.

Oil on panel with dramatic light effects emanating from the risen Christ. Holbein's sophisticated handling of the contrast between divine light and the guards' earthly confusion creates an effective visual climax to the Passion cycle.