Oh yes, we certainly have works that are unusual wonders in our collection @DaytonArt #MuseumWonderland
Consider this late 16th century oil on panel painting by an anonymous Flemish artist. 1/6 https://twitter.com/DaytonArt/status/1247913464196104197
It can be a little difficult to make out all that is going on. It is dark and foreboding, with different areas to draw our attention. In upper left, a city is in flames, and a person in a red cloak erects a cross.
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The title is "Old Testament Scene, Possibly The Last Days of the World according to the Prophet Joel," which was provided by the great art historian Erwin Panofsky. However, the meaning of the apocalyptic scene is made unclear by the presence of an anamorphic figure.
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This anamorphic figure appears in the lower third of the painting. Anamorphosis is the use of a distorted image that becomes recognizable at a certain angle. The image of a crowned figure falling on his sword becomes clear if viewed from slightly below and to the right.
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You can see the figure if we elongate it. He is believed to be King Saul, who is described in the first book of Samuel as taking his life on his sword rather than be captured by the Philistines.
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Whatever the meaning, the work certainly proves to be a wonder.
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Collection of the Dayton Art Institute, Museum purchase with funds provided by an anonymous donor by exchange, and by the Junior League of Dayton, Ohio, Inc. 1961.91
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