Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Altarpiece Finished," John Hollander offers a meditative reflection on the nature of art, perception, and the passage of time. The poem contemplates an altarpiece, an intricate work that holds layers of meaning and invites endless interpretations, while also suggesting the limitations and impermanence of human understanding.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing a sense of inevitability: "I cannot see how in time it will be possible to look at it without making all kinds of mistakes." This acknowledgment sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the complexity of the altarpiece and the difficulty of interpreting it accurately. The mistakes mentioned are not merely about deciphering meanings or understanding techniques, but about the very necessity of saying something about it. Hollander implies that the true essence of the art might lie beyond verbal articulation.

The phrase "the riot of silences painted into it" beautifully captures the paradoxical nature of the altarpiece. Despite being a visual medium, it communicates through silence, invoking a profound stillness and introspection. The "old badges of meaning, taken from the old books" suggest that the artwork is steeped in historical and cultural symbolism, yet these meanings may fade over time, lost under the "raucous, continuing crackle and the hushed scuffings of age." The passage of time is depicted as both loud and quiet, a duality that echoes throughout the poem.

Light plays a crucial role in Hollander's contemplation, described as something that "always seemed to matter most, here in the North." The light transforms ordinary scenes—a "grey pond with five tiny figures gliding over it" and "a street with a pair of burghers discussing something underneath the Sign of the Ram's Head"—into moments of beauty and significance. This light, symbolic of clarity and revelation, contrasts with the looming presence of winter and darkness. The cyclical nature of seasons serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of life and art, with winter's "glare" eventually giving way to the "warming, brilliant summer."

Hollander then suggests that even as the artwork ages and its brightness fades "to a yellowing gloom," its core significance remains unchanged. This enduring essence is what "will always matter most." The poem concludes with a powerful image of the altarpiece as both a window and an enclosure. When opened, it "displays a world," offering a glimpse into a larger reality. When closed, it creates "a most peculiar enclosure," turning the room itself into a contemplative space. This duality underscores the idea that art has the power to both reveal and contain, to connect viewers to a broader world while also providing a sanctuary for introspection.

The final, incomplete line "But folded inside is the painted" leaves the reader with a sense of ongoing mystery and incompleteness, much like the altarpiece itself. It suggests that no matter how much one studies or interprets the artwork, there will always be layers left unexplored, meanings yet to be uncovered.

Through "The Altarpiece Finished," John Hollander invites readers to consider the intricate relationship between art, light, and time. The poem's reflective tone and rich imagery encourage a deeper appreciation of the subtle, often silent, language of visual art. It reminds us that while our interpretations may be flawed and temporary, the essence of true art endures, continuing to inspire and provoke thought long after the initial viewing.

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