Meeting of St Erasm and St Maurice

Grünewald's Meeting of Saints Erasmus and Maurice from around 1520-1524, now in Munich, depicts the late Roman bishop Erasmus of Antioch in conversation with the Egyptian soldier-martyr Maurice — an unusual devotional pairing that reflects the specific cults of two particular patrons. Erasmus (patron of sailors and those with intestinal ailments, often invoked against thunderstorms) and Maurice (patron of soldiers and weavers) were combined in this altarpiece for a patron who may have had particular devotion to both saints. The contrast between the bishop in his elaborate vestments and the black Moorish soldier in his armor was visually extraordinary and reflected Grünewald's understanding of color contrast as a vehicle for spiritual meaning.

Grünewald's extraordinary coloristic gifts are fully displayed in the brilliant vestments and the naturalistic rendering of both saints' faces, with the contrast between the two figures creating a powerful visual dialogue.