Münnerstädter Altarpiece

The late Gothic carved altarpiece was created by the famous German sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider around 1490 to 1492. It was specifically commissioned for the parish church located in Münnerstadt, Germany.

The program of the altarpiece features incredibly expressive limewood figures and detailed narrative reliefs heavily associated with the life of Saint Mary Magdalene. The central shrine traditionally depicts scenes of the Virgin Mary, flanked by the dramatic story of Mary Magdalene.

Riemenschneider was famous for his masterful carving of limewood, which allowed him to create deeply intricate and expressive facial details and drapery. Unlike many other altarpieces of the era, his original carvings were characteristically left unpainted to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Although Riemenschneider preferred unpainted wood, the patrons later hired the artist Veit Stoß to paint the central figures and panels. Eventually, the original carved wings were replaced by painted wooden panels by other artists to suit the changing artistic tastes of the time.