Madonna

The Oertel Madonna, named after its former owner, is considered one of the great masterpieces of Ulm sculptor Daniel Mauch, who worked in the Imperial city until 1529 before emigrating to Catholic Liege shortly before the Reformation. The sculpture stands out for its formal stylistic appearance. The outline appears highly cohesive, animated by the very detailed structure of the robes, typical of Mauch’s work. In its original coloured paint the refined structure of the robes was no doubt even more striking. The realistic representation of St. Mary’s intimate relationship to her Child enables the viewer to participate directly in the scene. Yet the representation of the divine is upheld, manifest in the new moon beneath St. Mary’s feet. (Barbara Til)