Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 4 April 2008 in Art & Design and Portfolio.
We continue our altar week with this fine example of Bavarian late Gothic (we've visited this church some weeks ago). The 15th century painting was done by Gabriel Angler, several additional superstructures were executed by Gabriel Mäleßkircher. The monstrance below the painting (in the middle) is the only remnant of the former treasury of the Church: it was fabricated by Hans Kistler, a famous goldsmith of the 15th century. All other décor was done in early Baroque style during the refurbishment in the late 17th century.
I really like the contrast between the painting and the wonderful white background!
4 Apr 2008 12:56am
@Michael Skorulski: Definitely! The white background emphasizes the impression of the paintings. I'm not sure if it was the same in former times; probably that church was a lot more colourful.
This looks like difficult lighting in which to photograph, you have exposed it beautifully though.
Dan
4 Apr 2008 3:07am
@drphoto: Shooting the Roman churches was much more difficult (December, light sometimes blinding, sometimes missing). This shot has been done on a bright summer day (had to reduce brightness later, though).
As you see I am a faithful follower of your postings about these magnificent church interiors! And thank you so much for all the links you give us, today's Thyssen-Bornemitza was such a bonus!!!
4 Apr 2008 5:49am
@Japanalia: You're welcome! I'm a rather chatty person, so why not look and talk about these wonderful things? :-)
Great serie about religious art. I know it's not easy to take picture inside churches because of difficult light, height, not enough room to take all what we see, etc...
4 Apr 2008 7:40am
@Evelyne Dubos: Definitely! (Note to myself: buy a wide-angle lens!) :-D
Wonderful painting. I wonder, do these churches take any special precautions to prevent paintings and other objects like this from being stolen?
4 Apr 2008 8:44am
@Twelvebit: No. (Usually these churches are in the middle of their cities or villages. Almost no way to break in without being recognized. But it would be possible, without doubt.)
Nice contrast with the warm colors and interesting facts. Quite the ornate monstrance (looks heavy, too) in comparison to the one I used to "set up" as an altar boy.
@Steven: I guess this is no mobile monstrance :-) The clerk would certainly break down. :-D But this one is quite exceptional.
The more I see, the more I love this series MS. If it wasn't for your wonderful photographs I might never get to see these beautiful churches. Thank you again.
4 Apr 2008 9:55am
@MaryB: As the proverb says: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm very happy that you enjoy my photos, so I have to thank you! :)
Nice church again! I love it too! Thanks!
4 Apr 2008 4:11pm
@Porcsin: My pleasure!
How do you know so much about the churches? It blows my mind! The alter is so ornate and beautiful. I see you were there at noon. ;0)
4 Apr 2008 8:14pm
@Tracey: For the details I'm googling, just like anybody else... :-) That clock is unique, I've never seen an altar clock before, but it was out of service - I was visiting this church in the afternoon.
Interesting. When we were last in Germany we saw all kinds of things in the public sphere that would be chained down in this country, or stolen. I can't imagine that neighborhood knowledge stopping anyone here from stealing something valuable.
5 Apr 2008 12:24pm
@Twelvebit: Really?! All I've heard about American neighbourhoods was that people don't shut their doors and everybody's engaged in charity - at least in smaller cities. But I've just read Victoria's annual crime report and I see now that there's a problem, especially for a small town! (But after reading Düsseldorf's crime report I think that I'm living in Germany's crime capital #1 - at least they don't break into churches! *cough*)
We could get into a whole discussion on this subject. In my neighborhood it feels pretty safe. We have actually left our doors unlocked at night --but not on purpose. On the other hand we did have some criminals drive through the neighborhood looting mailboxes for identity theft; and they used the information to impersonate my wife and steal money out of our checking account. The doctor's house right down the street was robbed in broad daylight. Where we used to live (also a relatively affluent neighborhood) a gang broke into the house across the street, robbed it, and drove off with the car in the garage. Had the young mother and her baby been home at the time, and say, in the shower or otherwise indisposed, it might have ended in tragedy.
Over the years, I've had cars broken into about five times. My son used to work as a security guard at a mall, and car break-ins were common. People used to loose things like purses and come ask him at security if anyone had found them and turned them in to "lost and found." In the entire time he worked there he never encountered a single case of someone finding and turning in lost property. On the other hand, not so long ago, a little boy got "lost" riding his bike in the neighborhood, and practically everyone in the neighborhood knew in short order and had an eye out for him (he was found unharmed).
A lot of how people react to the threat of crime is a matter of perception and personal experience. "Crime" in general, just like "terrorism," has always been a big political weapon in this country, and both have been used to keep fear levels high. At the same time, I think it is also more likely that one will be killed in an act of violent crime here in the US than in Germany; but even if this is so, the actual chances of being killed are very small and minimized by simple precautions --mostly just staying away from the "wrong elements."
Relative to say, modern Europe (and excluding what used to be Yugoslavia) and Japan, the US is a violent country; but from what I've read, even this is hard to qualify as you may be more likely to suffer physical assault in Europe, but more likely to be shot and killed in the US. I don't know what the gun laws are in Germany --I saw gun stores last time I was there-- but personally, I like being able to arm and defend myself.
6 Apr 2008 10:34am
@Twelvebit: Whew - I'll answer by e-mail! :-)
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