ARTWORK OF THE DAY – South German Altarpiece

For half a century, art historical research has been trying to narrow down the regional origin of the four panels and ascribe them to one of the well-known painting workshops. Close relations to both Nuremberg and Ulm are being considered. This shows how lively the artistic exchange between the painters’ workshops in southern Germany was at the turn of the 16th century. Although regional characteristics which define the painting styles of Swabia, Main-Franconia, and Nuremberg can certainly be identified, the constant switching back and forth of assistants that was so typical of early modern guild regulations and journeymanship inevitably led to a transfer of stylistic features and methods of technique. This, in turn, drove the creativity and innovative spirit of masters, some of whom had travelled far themselves.

The four panels are thought to have belonged to the collection of Prince Alexander von Dietrichstein of Nikolsburg.