Church altar in Crailsheim: is there a previously undiscovered painting by Albrecht Dürer?

Created: 01/04/2022, 03:33 PM

A possibly newly discovered work by Albrecht Dürer in the late Gothic winged altar of the Crailsheim Johanneskirche becomes visible after it is closed.

© Bernd Weissbrod / dpa

A painting in a church in Crailsheim aroused the interest of professionals and visitors.

Is it a so far undiscovered work by Albrecht Dürer?

Nuremberg - Is there a previously undiscovered real painting by the Nuremberg * painter Albrecht Dürer in Crailsheim in Baden-Württemberg?

Several experts have examined the picture on the late Gothic winged altar in St. John's Church in more detail in recent years.

Results have not yet been announced, reports the dpa.

The experts assume that the high altar was made in the workshop of Dürer's teacher Michael Wolgemut.

Several colorful panels can be seen on it.

It shows: The life of John the Baptist and the Passion of Jesus Christ.

On the outside of the altar, which is now over 500 years old, an executioner with the head of Johannes is depicted.

Dürer connoisseur Benno Baumbauer believes it is possible that Albrecht Dürer painted parts of it.

New Albrecht Dürer painting?

No clear evidence of his involvement yet 

Baumbauer and his colleagues from the Germanisches Nationalmuseum took infrared photos of the painting.

Then they could have recognized the signatures, the report goes on to say.

However, they would have to compare them with other works by Dürer and Wolgemut.

But even matches would not provide any concrete evidence that Dürer contributed to the design of the altar, emphasized Baumbauer in an interview with the German Press Agency.

So far there are no clear documents that speak in favor of it. 

Large rush of visitors to St. John's Church in Crailsheim 

The painting recently attracted not only the attention of professionals.

"In addition to journalists, pilgrims, art lovers, art historians, curious people came - from Germany and beyond," said Helga Steiger from the city administration, as the dpa writes.

In the summer, the church closes the altar so that experts can take a closer look at the picture.

Since Christmas Eve, however, visitors have had the opportunity to look at the painting again.