God the Father on the Globe

This terracotta model, known as a bozzetto, is a three-dimensional study for the polychromed wooden statue of God the Father on the Globe on the high altar of the Church of St. Michael in Berg am Laim, Munich. Unlike the final work, which was on a very large scale and required the help of assistants, the model was made by Straub himself, and affords an insight into the working methods of this outstanding Bavarian rococo sculptor. With his sharp modelling stick, Straub designed and captured the posture and the impressive facial features of the wrathful Almighty with great spontaneity, following the description in Isaiah 66, 1–2: “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool […] to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”