Show all 2 images
- Time
- Austria/South Germany, around 1520
- Material
- carved lime wood, largely original polychrome paint, gilding and silvering, partly luster finish
- Height
- 65⅓ in
This exceptional Virgin on the crescent moon is a distinguished example of the high level of sculptural achievement attained in the age of Dürer. The fascinating period of transition from the Late Gothic to the Renaissance was marked by a dynamic exchange of artistic ideas, fostered both by the mobility and extensive networks of the sculptors themselves and by the widespread dissemination of prints produced by accomplished engravers of the period.
The Virgin’s garments and veil are arranged in deeply carved, rhythmic folds. Her long hair is carved with remarkable delicacy and arranged in voluminous, sweeping curls. Both the Madonna’s facial features and the elaborate treatment of the drapery place this exceptional sculpture within the circle of the important sculptor Hans Leinberger.
One of the most influential sculptors of the Late Gothic period, Leinberger was probably born in the Nuremberg region around 1470–80 and was active principally in southern Bavaria and Tyrol. The present Madonna is particularly close in style to Leinberger’s enthroned Virgin from Polling/Bavaria. Further stylistic affinities may be observed with works associated with the Danube School, notably the Virgin with child from Weissenkirchen in the Wachau.
With the Madonna presented here, the anonymous master, working within the artistic circle of Hans Leinberger, created an outstanding work of the transregional European Late Gothic in the age of Dürer.