Saint Christopher bears a weighty burden, the Christ Child carrying the sins of mankind, as he wades across a dangerous river, in this detail of a fresco in the medieval cloister of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta at Bressanone-Brixen, South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. The cloister frescoes are either Late Gothic or are by 15th century artist Lienhart Scherhauff, also known as Leonardo da Bressanone, and his pupils.
Bressanone-Brixen, South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy: Saint Christopher carries a weighty burden on his shoulders - the Christ Child plus the sins of mankind - as he wades to safety across a dangerous river in this detail of a fresco painted in the medieval cloister beside the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. This artwork is amongst numerous late-14th and early-15th century frescoes on the walls and ribbed ceiling vaults. The original cloister was rebuilt after a fire in 1174, but its first Late Gothic frescoes were painted around 1390 by a group of artists active throughout this mainly German-speaking region, including some from the nearby town of Brunico or Brunech. Later frescoes here are believed to be either the sole work of 15th century painter and sculptor Lienhart Scherhauff (also known as Leonhard von Brixen or Leonardo da Bressanone), or are by his studio, which produced fresco cycles for churches throughout South and East Tyrol. Lienhart and his artists, with their delicate style, are credited with transforming the often harsh and crude nature of the region’s Christian art. The spa city of Bressanone / Brixen was founded in 901 AD, becoming the seat of powerful Prince Bishops whose influence forged links between southern Germany and northern Italy. South Tyrol became part of Italy after the 1914-18 First World War.
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Location: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Bressanone-Brixen, South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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