The Angelic Salutation is a assembly of lime wood sculptures. Veit Stoss created it for the medieval church of St. Lorenz (one of the two principal churches in Nuremberg’s Old Town) where it hangs on a metal chain in the center of the choir. It was commissioned by famous merchant Anton Tucher, and local Renaissance hero Albrecht Dürer reviewed the masterpiece featuring Virgin Mary and Archangel Gabriel surrounded by small angels, many of whom are ringing bells in celebration or joyfully playing musical instruments. The statues are surrounded by a wreath of roses.
Soon after completion of the artwork the German reformation began and when St. Lorenz changed into a Lutheran Church the Angelic Salutation was only displayed on holy days and remained covered the rest of the time. This is also the reason why the colors are still very much in their original glory. Because the work was deemed the private property of the wealthy and influential Tucher family and the city of Nuremberg was proud of its heritage this wood carved masterpiece escaped destruction during the reformation and today still hangs in this magnificent church.
I wish you a great and sunny weekend!
Marcus
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