Artwork Page for Saint Lawrence

Details / Information for Saint Lawrence

Saint Lawrence

1502–8
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Tilman Riemenschneider

(German, active Würzburg, c. 1460–1531)
Culture
Germany, Würzburg, 16th century
Medium
lindenwood with polychromy and gilding
Measurements
Overall: 93.8 x 38.5 x 21.8 cm (36 15/16 x 15 3/16 x 8 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1959.42
Public Domain
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Location
111 German and Austrian Gothic
Print
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Did You Know?

Before Riemenschneider finally settled in Würzburg, Germany, in 1484, he traveled to Strasbourg and Colmar, where he became acquainted with the works of the engraver Martin Schongauer.

Description

This sculpture, along with that of Saint Stephen (1959.43), and two female saints preserved in Frankfurt (Historisches Museum), are believed to be the remaining fragments of a large altarpiece carved by Riemenschneider for the Dominican convent in Rothenburg in Franconia (demolished in 1813). Saints Stephen and Lawrence both wear the dalmatic to indicate their status as deacons in the early church. Each holds a symbol of his martyrdom; here, Saint Lawrence holds a grill to indicate his death by burning. Late Gothic Style Art in Germany through the early 1500s remained firmly anchored in the late Gothic style with its associated interests in realism. Riemenschneider was one of the most prolific and versatile sculptors of this style, a recognized master in both stone and wood. His flourishing workshop employed as many as 40 apprentices in sculpting, woodcarving, and painting. His sculptures are noted for the dreamy, melancholy, and introspective quality in their expressions, as well as their remarkable attention to detail.
A painted lindenwood sculpture depicts Saint Lawrence, a standing figure with pale skin and thick, curly brown hair. Looking toward our right, he wears a gold tunic with dark, fringed trim over a white robe. His right hand holds an open book against his chest while his left grasps a dark, metal gridiron. Detailed, angular folds ripple through his heavy robes, extending down to his feet on a small, circular base.

Saint Lawrence

1502–8

Tilman Riemenschneider

(German, active Würzburg, c. 1460–1531)
Germany, Würzburg, 16th century

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