KRAFT, Adam

Kraft was a virtuoso stone carver who translated into stone the technical skill and exuberance of wood-carving. His most celebrated work, the tabernacle in St Lawrence, Nuremberg, is a gigantic stone imitation (c. 18 m high) of a subtle piece of goldsmith’s work. The richly decorated structure houses a multitude of human figures, animals, etc. One of the supporting figures at the base is supposed to be a self-portrait of Kraft.

The picture shows a relief of the tabernacle in the St Lawrence Church in Nuremberg.

Just to the north side of the high altar in the parish church of St Lorenz in Nuremberg stands the remarkable sacrament house by Adam Kraft. Commissioned in 1493 by Hans IV Imhoff, a wealthy patrician, this tabernacle is far more elaborate than was needed for housing the wafer and wine for Holy Communion, or Eucharist. Its spire rises to a height of 18,7 m. This sacrament house is both functional and ambitious. Its towering architectural form contains sculptures of the Last Supper and Christ’s Passion, both appropriate themes for this structure. Imhoff’s coat of arms is displayed prominently for all worshippers to see, but closer scrutiny also reveals the presence of Kraft in the centre, and two assistants. These three life-size statues seem to bear the weight of the whole structure on their shoulders.

The picture shows one of the supporting figures at the base of the Tabernacle which is supposed to be a self-portrait of Kraft. Crouching on one knee, Kraft looks outwards, holding a chisel and mallet. The hair and face have been delicately painted in naturalistic tones.