Professor Tina Beattie lectures

On Monday, March 4 Professor Tina Beattie held her second history of art lecture at the Hub on Rye Hill. Tina, who has recently moved to the area, was professor of Catholic studies at the University of Roehampton. She is a writer and published author and now freelance lecturer. With Easter coming up, her subject was the extraordinary Isenheim Altarpiece, now at the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, France.

Matthias Grünewald’s medieval masterpiece had such an impact on the story of the arts, that the philosopher Martin Buber described it as: “The altar of the spirit in the western world.” Its influence resonates through time, into the music of Hindemith and the work of Dali and Picasso. In the 21st century, it was the inspiration for commemorating the societal devastation caused by HIV Aids in South Africa and more latterly the coronavirus pandemic.

Tina Beattie’s style is warm and conversational and she encourages dialogue and questions throughout, which means that the talks are lively and organic, rather than formal and structured. This audience participation brings an even greater depth to the study day, as does her use of video clips and music, alongside traditional illustrations. She always decorates her desk with flowers and on this occasion, even baked banana bread for us to enjoy during the break.

Her first lecture, held just before Christmas, dealt with ‘The Annunciation and Nativities’ in art. Religion is not the focus of her talks, but as medieval art reflects the culture of its time, its iconography and symbolism are the historical building blocks of our own. As the season moves on, she is planning a summer talk, again within the splendid facilities of The Hub, entitled ‘Gardens in Medieval Art’.

Image Credits: Natasha Robinson , Wiki Commons , Wikimedia Commons Public Domain .