The Story Of Tilmann Riemenschneider

Master Wood-Carver Tilmann Riemanschneider (1460-1531) Crafted Numerous Altars Found In Medieval Churches On The Romantic Road Between Würzburg And Rothenburg.   The Main-Franconian Museum In The Marienberg Fortress Overlooking Würzburg Provides An Excellent Overview Of His Artistic Talent.   His Altars Are Found In The St. Jacobs Kirche (St. Jacob's Church) In Rothenburg, In The St. Peter Und Pauls Kirche (St. Peter And Paul's Church) In The Village Of Detwang (1 Km North Of Rothenburg), And In The Herrgottskirche (Lord's Church) Located About 1 Km From The Romantic Road Town Of Creglingen.   The Gigantic Altar In The Gothic Herrgottskirche Is His Greatest Creation.

Riemenschneider Lived In Würzburg For Most Of His Life And Served As Mayor Of The Town For Several Years.   Unfortunately, He Supported The Peasants In Their Rebellion Of 1525.   After The Total Defeat Of The Peasants Near The Romatic Road Town Of Königshofen, Riemenschneider Was Imprisoned.   He Died In 1531 Shortly After His Release.   His Name Was Largely Forgotten Until 1822 When A Construction Worker Unearthed His Gravestone In The Old Cemetery Of The Dom (St. Kilian's Cathedral) In Würzburg.   Riemenschneider's Masterful Works Are Now Properly Credited.

Riemenschneider Craved The Altar Of Mary Between 1505 And 1510.   The Altar Was Crated And Stored Around 1530 When The Herrgottskirche Became Protestant.   The Altar Was Completely Hidden By The Wood Boards Of The Crate And Was Forgotten.   In 1832 A Church Caretaker Opened The Crate.   Today, The Visitor Sees The Altar As It Looked To Riemenschneider.   The Crate Protected The Altar From Damage, Change, And Discoloration For Over 300 Years.