Galerie Dreyfus
54
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MASTER OF LUEMSCHWILLER (active in Alsace, early 16th centur…
See original version (French)
54
-
MASTER OF LUEMSCHWILLER (active in Alsace, early 16th centur…
See original version (French)
Estimate €30,000 - €38,000
Voluntary lot
Description
MASTER OF LUEMSCHWILLER
(active in Alsace, early 16th century)
Predella with Ecce Homo, the Virgin and Saint John
1521
Oil on panel,
35.2 x 125 cm
Inscription: ANNO MDXXI
This predella, dated 1521, depicts the theme of the Ecce Homo, that is to say, Christ
presented to the crowd, haloed but still wearing the crown of thorns and bearing the stigmata of
the Passion. On either side, the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, recognisable by
their clothing and haloes, each express their restrained grief in the presence of the suffering Saviour
.
Attributed to the Master of Luemschwiller, who was active in southern Alsace in the early 16th
century, this work bears witness to the region’s artistic vitality on the eve of the Reformation. The
panel forms part of the extensive altarpiece at the parish church of Saint-Christophe in Luemschwiller, for which
the workshop produced several narrative and devotional scenes. The meticulous craftsmanship, the use of
vibrant colours and the monumental quality of the faces place this predella within the
Rhenish tradition, whilst revealing the influence of Albrecht Dürer’s engravings, which had been circulating throughout
the German-speaking world since 1500.
Particularly noteworthy is the treatment of the crown of thorns, which is voluminous
and detailed, as well as Christ’s asymmetrical posture, with his arms outstretched but slightly
off-balance – a detail already noted by art historians. These elements bring the painting
closer to Dürer’s graphic compositions and bear witness to an ongoing dialogue between regional painting
and models from the German Renaissance.
The inscription ‘ANNO MDXXI’ places the painting at a pivotal moment:
Alsace, an artistic and religious crossroads, was then undergoing an intense spiritual renewal.
The Master of Luemschwiller belongs to a generation of artists rooted in the
late Gothic tradition, yet receptive to Renaissance influences. His style remains expressive,
direct and imbued with popular piety, which perfectly suits the function of
the predella: to bring the faithful closer to the sacred figures, at eye level, to encourage prayer
and meditation.
Christ is depicted from the waist up, revealing his wounds, his torso tilted and his head
leaning to the left. The Virgin, dressed in white and red, expresses silent grief,
her hands clasped in a supplicating gesture. Saint John, dressed in bright red, embodies
youth and empathy, his eyes raised intently towards Christ. The simplicity of the green background,
devoid of decoration, highlights the expressive power of the three figures and reinforces the
sacred nature of the scene.
This predella is a rare and valuable example of Alsatian painting
from the early 16th century, all too often overshadowed by the major neighbouring artistic centres
such as Basel, Ulm and Nuremberg. It illustrates the enduring vitality of a powerful regional art form,
capable of combining local tradition with international influences. Thanks to its precise dating
and its condition, which remains legible despite earlier retouching, it adds a further piece
to the body of work attributable to the Master of Luemschwiller and his workshop.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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