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Kaufbeuren Town Museum
Der Sündenfall (1740/1790)Original Source: Stadtmuseum Kaufbeuren
The fall of man
This reverse glass painting depicts several stories at the same time: in addition to the central scene of Adam and Eve at the tree of knowledge, the creation of Eve and her banishment from paradise can also be seen in the background. Adam has taken a bite from the apple and so the fall of man has already occurred. The first human couple have become conscious of their nakedness and are ashamedly hiding their bare bodies.
Jona und der Walfisch (1740/1788) by Johann Matthäus Bauhoff (zugeschrieben)Original Source: Stadtmuseum Kaufbeuren
Jonah and the whale
The Old Testament tells the story of the prophet Jonah. Jonah does not want to carry out an instruction from God and instead flees by boat. In a rage, God raises a storm.
The crew of the distressed boat recognize Jonah as responsible for causing the storm and throw him overboard. In the water, the whale awaits its prize with open mouth.
After Jonah spends three days praying to God in the whale's stomach, he is spat back out onto the shore.
Geburt Christi (1740/1790)Original Source: Stadtmuseum Kaufbeuren
The birth of Christ
Mary sits in front of the stable next to the manger and watches her newborn son. Joseph is standing behind her. In the background on the right-hand side, the shepherds receive the news from an angel on a cloud. Three figures approach from behind a hill: the three wise men. What clearly differentiates this from Catholic nativity scenes are the various banners citing Bible quotes. This is a typically Protestant reverse glass painting.
A farmer and his wife hurry in from the left-hand side of the picture with a basket full of eggs, which will be given as a gift. On the right, two kneeling shepherds bow before the baby Jesus. The first is laying a lamb before the crib, a reference to Christ's sacrifice.
Das letzte Abendmahl (1765) by Johann Matthäus BauhoffOriginal Source: Stadtmuseum Kaufbeuren
The last supper
As if on a stage, in the center of the picture we see a table that Jesus is baking bread on. Around him huddle impassioned young men, who have just learned of the treachery of one of their own.
The Kaufbeuren-based reverse glass painter Johann Matthäus Bauhoff (1716-1788) signed this picture and dated it 1765.
On the left, and in front of the table, sits Judas. In his hand he holds a bag with the money he received for his betrayal. The brass basin and pair of jugs in the left foreground allude to Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
Kreuzigung mit Maria und Johannes (1740/1790)Original Source: Stadtmuseum Kaufbeuren
Crucifixion of Christ
Framed by a bow of blooming leaf tendrils, the crucifixion of Christ with Mary and John is depicted on a pedestal. At the foot of the cross in a golden frame sits the Lamb of God with the cross shown as a symbol of the sacrifice offered of himself by Christ. A Kaufbeuren reverse glass painter created this image in the 18th century. Individual motifs have been painted with transparent luster paint and then backed by sheet metal. This gives them a particular sheen. We call this technique Eglomisé.
Noli me tangere (1740/1788)Original Source: Stadtmuseum Kaufbeuren
Noli me tangere
The resurrected Christ appears to Mary Magdalene as a gardener following his death. The reverse glass painter has set the scene in a baroque garden. Christ wears a straw hat, a gold-colored loincloth and holds a shovel in his hand. Mary Magdalene cannot believe her eyes and has sunk to her knees in front of him with her hands raised. The resurrected Christ gesticulates with his outstretched left arm for her not to touch him. or in Latin: "noli me tangere."
Kaufbeuren reverse glass paintings also served as colorful wall decorations in people's houses.
Text and photos: Kaufbeuren Town Museum
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