Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the greatest sculptors of the late middle ages first saw the light of the world between 1455 and 1460 in Osterode in Harz. After years of travel and study in Schwaben and Oberrhein he was impressed by the culture and architecture that surrounded him. In 1485 in the city of Wuerzburg he acquired the status of master sculptor and the right to reside in the city.
It wasn't long before he developed a very successful workshop with as many as 18 apprentices delivering custom carved figurines and altars in the area of Franken. His masterpieces include "Adam and Eve" at the portal of the Wuerzburger Marienchurch, the monument of Kaiser Heinrich II and his wife Kunigunde inside the Bamberger Dome, and the altars in Muennerstadt, Rothenburg and Creglingen.
Riemenschneider's sculptures were outstanding and unmistakable. The craftsmanship of his work was recognized immediately, and he was the only one in the 1500's to forego the application of colour to his works. He played with light and the natural beauty of wood.
Riemenschneider eventually became Mayor and Alderman of Wuerzburg. During the peasant revolt of 1525 Riemenschneider sided with the peasants against the Prince-Bishop. The revolt was unsuccessful and Riemenschneider was imprisoned and tortured. When eventually released his spirit was broken. He could no longer work and passed away on July 07, 1531.
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