Edited by IPC Prešov | Košice and Žilina Regions
The carving legacy of Master Paul of Levoča
Country: Slovakia
Region: Košice Region
Type of inspiration: Visual arts
Inspiracja
The most famous Slovak carver of the sixteenth century, Master Pavol of Levoča, was a late Gothic carver. His works have been preserved to this day and are admired by many people. Tourists from abroad come to see them. His works are among the most valuable medieval monuments in Slovakia. Thanks to him, Levoča has been included on the UNESCO list.We know very little about the master himself, but we do know his works. But it is not only Levoča itself, tourists can also admire his work by wandering around the SPIŠ region, which is also decorated with the master's works.
His creations are made of lime wood and have characteristic features by which we can identify the author:
- the upturned edge of the upper mantle - the so-called ear
- the eyes are large, slightly oblique, sometimes slanting, with a high supraorbital arch
- elongated cheeks with a small round eyebrow
- finger joints are accentuated by sharp cuts
- gold and blue predominate
- Madonnas have a pronouncedly extended knee
The oldest works are found in the Church of St. James in Levoča. There are 18 winged altars, 4 of which were made by the workshop of Master Paul. The most famous is the Main Altar of St. James, it is also the tallest Gothic altar in the world at 18.62 cm high. The altar has survived in its place without damage for over 500 years, despite fires, wars, uprisings and worm infestations. It has been repaired several times and has undergone two complete disassemblies during restoration.In the front of the altar is a sculpture of the Last Supper. According to legend, the likeness of St. Andrew is the face of Master Paul himself.
In Spišská Sobota there is an altar of St. George from 1516. In the predella there is the Last Supper and here the Master is said to have included himself among the apostles. Then there is a statue of St. Anthony the Hermit, from the altar of the same name, which was created around 1500.
There is a strict ban on photography in the church.
These are just three, of his many works. Tourists can see others in Kežmarok, Ľubice, Strážki pre Kežmarok, Hrabušice or Spišská Nová Ves. Because most of his works have been preserved in Spiš.
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Levoča
Slovakia Presov Region
