Chest

The carved front of the chest is spilt up into three panels; in the central the year 1556 is carved. In spite of the late date, the object still has characteristic Gothic stylistic features with the dominant architectural motif of pointed arches done in woodcut (Masswerk). Along with the decoration of pointed arches on the feet, the composition and construction of the chest, the motif of heraldic fleurs-de-lys that is to be found on the side panels is an additional element that puts this object alongside the Salzburg chests created about 1490 to 1500. This specimen is of a more rustic production, and does not have the Block inlay characteristic of Salzburg chests framing the panels, while the characteristic triangular join is reduced to a stylised form; the base decorated with bas relief carving of a plant motif on a perforated ground is not to be seen in specimens of Salzburg work. In spite of these differences, we can still conclude that the inspiration behind the working of this chest certainly derived from Salzburg production.