Riemenschneider and Late Medieval Alabaster

This statue by Tilman Riemenschneider (c. 1460 - 1531) depicts Saint Jerome removing a thorn from a lion's paw, a legendary account of his kindness. It is made of alabaster and was prized for its lustre and capacity for fine details from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. The book accompanies several essays that examine the subject of alabaster sculpture from different perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

This magnificent statue, attributed to Tilman Riemenschneider (circa 1460-1531), is believed to have originated from the Benedictine abbey church of Saint Peter in Erfurt, Germany. Dating back to around 1495, it portrays the church father Saint Jerome in a legendary scene where he is seen gently removing a thorn from the paw of a lion. According to the customary iconography of the event, Jerome is depicted wearing the traditional robes of a Roman cardinal, with the cowl draped over his tonsured head and the broad-brimmed hat on his right leg. Traces of polychromy and gilding indicate that the statue once possessed a vibrant and rich coloration. The drill holes in the hat suggest that it once adorned with cords and tassels of fabric, typical of a cardinal's hat. The exact purpose for which the statue was originally commissioned remains uncertain, whether it was intended for an altar in a private chapel or for its artistic merit. However, its alleged provenance from a church in Erfurt and Saint Jerome's widespread popularity as a patron saint of humanists and scholars make both scenarios plausible. Alabaster, prized for its exquisite luster and remarkable ability to capture fine details, enjoyed great popularity during the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries. It was cherished for its use in creating altarpieces, small sculptures, and even the tombs of wealthy princes. This book brings together a remarkable collection of alabaster works from the medieval collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, alongside selected masterpieces of alabaster sculpture from North American museums and the Louvre in Paris. By examining these works, we gain insight into the craftsmanship and techniques employed in the production of alabaster sculptures during this period. It is noteworthy that these pieces are of exceptional quality, making alabaster a preferred material for high-ranking commissions such as the tomb of Duke Philip the Bold of Burgundy in Champmol near Dijon. The book is accompanied by several essays that delve into various aspects of alabaster sculpture, providing a comprehensive examination of this artistic medium. These essays explore the historical significance of alabaster, its cultural and religious significance, as well as the technical challenges and techniques involved in its creation. Overall, this book offers a captivating journey into the world of alabaster sculpture, showcasing its beauty, artistry, and historical significance. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of medieval art and craftsmanship.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 220 x 218 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875435