This work consists of multiple parts

Stationary Wings of the Heller Altarpiece with Sts. Lawrence and Cyriacus, ca. 1509 – 1510

Der heilige Laurentius: 99.1 x 43.0 x 1.3 cm
Der heilige Cyriakus: 99.1 x 42.8 x 1.2 cm

Physical Description: Mixed technique on fir

Inventory Number: HM 36; HM 37

Acquisition: On permanent loan from Historisches Museum Frankfurt am Main since 1922

Status: See Parts

Texts

About the Work

In 1507 the Frankfurt merchant Jakob Heller commissioned Dürer to paint the central panel and wings of a retable for the city’s Dominican church. Grünewald executed these panels to serve as fixed wings for the same. They depict two deacons: Lawrence with the grid on which he was burnt to death, and Cyriacus, an exorcist who freed a princess of her demon. The panels are masterpieces of grisaille painting, whose realistic appearance confronts the viewer with the question as to what he actually has in front of him – a work of painting, a sculpture, or nature itself?

Audio

Basic information

01:21
Focus on Frankfurt

01:51

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: Stationary Wings of the Heller Altarpiece with Sts. Lawrence and Cyriacus

Painter

Mathis Gothart Nithart called Grünewald

Panel exterior: Saint Lawrence; Saint Cyriacus

Period Produced

16th century

School

Renaissance

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Mixed technique on fir

Material

Technique

mixed technique

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Bezeichnet unten rechts: *MG*N*

Property and Acquisition

Institution

Städel Museum

Administration

Old Masters 1300 - 1800

Collection

permanent loan

Creditline: Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main, Dauerleihgabe des Historischen Museums Frankfurt am Main

Picture Copyright: Public Domain

Acquisition: On permanent loan from Historisches Museum Frankfurt am Main since 1922

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre

Main Motif

Persons Shown

Associated Persons and Institutions

Associated Source

Die Legenda aurea des Jacobus de Voragine, übersetzt von Richard Benz, Heidelberg 1984

Iconclass

Primary

11H(LAURENCE) the martyr and deacon Laurence of Rome; possible attributes: book, censer, cross, dalmatic, gridiron, palm, purse (or cup with golden coins)
11H(CYRIACUS)51 St. Cyriacus of Rome as exorcist: he delivers the daughter of emperor Diocletian, Artemia, from the possession by a devil; he reads from his book and winds his stole round her neck