Englischer Gruß

Stadtarchiv Nürnberg, E29/III, 258, fol.56r
"Englischer Gruß" after the sculpture group by Veit Stoß in St. Lorenz, Nuremberg

This sheet shows the "Englischer Gruß" (Angelic Salutation) by Veit Stoß. The drawing was done by the painter, draughtsman and engraver Michael Herr, who had been resident in Nuremberg since 1619. This extremely important work of late Gothic woodcarving was donated by Anton II Tucher in 1517 and has been in the choir of St. Lorenz church in Nuremberg since its completion in 1518, with few interruptions. Herr’s drawing shows the figures of the annunciation, the Archangel Gabriel and the future Mother of God Mary. Smaller angels, some making music, others presenting the instruments of Christ’s torture, accompany the scene. The figures are framed by a golden rosary. Finally, God the Father is enthroned above all this, holding a golden orb in one hand and indicating a gesture of blessing with the other. In contrast to the picture ensemble in St. Lorenz, the drawing still shows the original filigree hoop crown, which closes the group of figures at the top. The gently curved hoops are studded with stars, creating a kind of canopy.

This sheet was commissioned by the Tucher family for private contemplation and in memory of the founder. The Angelic Salutation was badly damaged in a fall at the beginning of the 19th century and had to be painstakingly reconstructed. Since Herr shows the angel’s greeting in its 17th-century state, the sheet attests to the details lost in the wake of this misfortune.

Lisa Reinhard