Master of Lamentation from Žebrák - Madonna of Malšín
The Master of Lamentation from Žebrák is the most outstanding personality in South Bohemian sculpture of the first third of the 16th century. He was trained in the Danube region where he saw the work of the followers of the sculptor Niclaus Gerhaert van Leyden, in his rendering of motion he seems to be reffering to the figures of Erasmus Grasser of Munich. His carvings often alter the compositions distributed through prints (e.g. the work of Lucas Cranach the Elder from the first decade of the 16th century). Most likely he arrived in Southern Bohemia at the beginning of the 16th century and he settled down, probably together with his rather extensive workshop, in the royal town of České Budějovice. The Master of Lamentation from Žebrák is sometimes believed to be the same person as the well-documented sculptor Alexander of České Budějovice. The Master with his workshop undoubtedly created a numerous altarpieces for churches in Southern and South-Western Bohemia. Although the work had characteristics of the quite widespread mass production of the period, it still retained high artistic quality. The Madonna of Malšín was probably made only after the relief with the Lamentation. With regard to the development of the Master’s personal style, this work represents a transition to his later period.
date:
measurements: height 126 cm
material: limewood
technique: remnants of chalk ground and minute traces of polychromy
inscription:
inventory number: P 5109
gallery collection: Collection of Old Masters