Artworks Catalogue

Location

Austria, Styria, Graz

Cathedral St Aegydius (Dom Hl Ägydius)

Innere Stadt

Artwork

The antependium with the relief of dead Christ on the crucifixion altar in the chapel of the Holy Cross in the Cathedral of Graz

Type

Antependium

Critical History

According to Rochus Kohlbach Philipp Jakob Straub created a carved wooden “antependium” for the Crucifixion altar in the chapel of the Holy Cross as well as four decorations “for the sides” in 1745. It is documentary mentioned that he received 47 fl 14 kr for his work.1 The remarkable high relief is hidden behind the mensa’s black polished wooden front. It depicts the life-size body of Christ lying in his tomb. His eyes and mouth are partly opened, his hands are crossed in front of his belly. It is a highly realistic presentation with a tormented face, masterly modelled hands and a successful anatomy of the whole body, which refers to artistic adroitness.2 Above the sculpture, there are three putto-heads with gilded wings.

Construction / Execution

The sculpture is made of carved wood. The emaciated body of Christ is bedded on a carefully draped (carved) sheet. To improve the displaying of the sculpture, the artist lifted it on the rear side, so it is tilted.

Components

Sculpture

Author: Philipp Jakob Straub (Wiesensteig 1706 – Graz 1774)

Completed: 1745

Technique(s): wood carving

Material(s): wood

Polychromy

Completed: 1745

Images

1. The antependium relief depicting the dead body of Christ, Crucifixion altar, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Graz (photo by Diocesan Museum Graz, 2015)
2. Dead Christ, detail antependium relief, Crucifixion altar, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Graz (photo by Diocesan Museum Graz, 2015)