Artwork

Wettenhauser Hochaltar: Tod Mariae Rückseite: Abschied Christi (rechte Hälfte) mit Stifter Ulrich Hieber

Wettenhauser Hochaltar: Tod Mariae Rückseite: Abschied Christi (rechte Hälfte) mit Stifter Ulrich Hieber is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Martin Schaffner. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

The *Abschied Christi* (Farewell of Christ) is the right half of the reverse side of the Wettenhauser Hochaltar, a religious altar ensemble painted by Martin Schaffner in 1523. The work depicts the moment of Christ’s farewell to his disciples before the Crucifixion.

Subject & Meaning

The calm demeanor of the central female figure contrasts with the bustling activity around her, underscoring a moment of spiritual significance.

Contrary to the expected scene based on its title, this panel actually illustrates a serene religious gathering, potentially a veneration or blessing scene, featuring a central woman in blue and a man in red, surrounded by angels and disciples in a decorated church setting. The calm demeanor of the central female figure contrasts with the bustling activity around her, underscoring a moment of spiritual significance.

Technique & Style

Schaffner employs chiaroscuro, utilizing light from above to create glowing faces amidst shadows, and incorporates gold accents and arched decorations, characteristic of his religious altarpiece style during the early Baroque period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1523 by Martin Schaffner, an independent master in Ulm, this work is part of the Wettenhauser Hochaltar ensemble, with the left half, *Tod Mariae*, also attributed to him.

Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Schaffner

Martin Schaffner (c. 1478 – c. 1548) was a German painter and medallist. Schaffner was born, lived and worked primarily in Ulm. His birth year is calculated based on a self-portrait medal he created in 1522 in which he…