West European Studies

I learn three things from the  High Priest Refusing Joachims Offering engraving  Passion for rediscovering Christendom and religious historical roots, Integrating religion and the arts, and Fusion of Medieval art and Biblical concepts.

Israhel van Meckenems engraving rekindles the passion for rediscovering Christendom through features of historical characters in the Christian Scripture. Meckenem features Joachim, the father of Virgin Mary in the traditional offering before the High Priest (Meckenem, 2010).

Israel customs are highlighted and given special honor in light with the existing power and influence of Christianity by Constantine I. The engraving tells the story of Joachim, who was forbidden to offer sacrifices because of his barrenness. The angel (Angel Gabriels wings resembles other Medieval Greek wings) told the grieving Joachim that his prayers and petitions were heard, and his wife Anna would conceive a child (Mary). The inclusion of dogs in the engraving suggests the humiliation and ridicule that Joachim suffered due to Israels view of curse among barren couples (Western Culture The Medieval West, 2009).

The engraving also integrates religion and the arts. The religious characters are portrayed and interpreted through tangible manifestation of art. The medium engraving enhances the meticulous clothing and sacred objects of Israel. The headpiece of the High Priest resembles and implies the colonial influence of Rome existing before Jesus birth. The engraving is an integration of faith executed precisely through arts. Belief in the sanctity of Virgin Marys birth and the explicit profession of it through engraving is impressive (Joachim and Anna, 2008).

The High Priest Refusing Joachims Offering is a prime example of the fusion of medieval art and Catholicism. The engraving projects resounding elements of classicism  using minimal variation of shades, while religiously exhibiting the story of Joachim. The High Priest Refusing Joachims Offering is successful in revealing the family background of Virgin Mary using engraving as a medium for immortalizing Christs roots (Medieval Art, 2010).

The High Priest Refusing Joachims Offering reveals a civilization that placed high value on religion, expressing its belief through arts. This object demonstrates how the Medieval Europe was heavily influenced by Christianity. The belief has entered philosophy and almost all facets of life. This object reflects a civilization that was willing to exert effort to know more about its faith and explore its possibilities into mainstream lifestyle.

This masterpiece exemplifies Medieval Europes passion for exhibiting Christian beliefs and integrating the best of engraving methods to project its allure for nobility and sanctity.