KRAFT, Adam
(b. 1455/60, Nürnberg, d. 1508/09, Nürnberg)

Entombment

1493-96
Sandstone
Holzschuher Kapelle, S. Lorenz, Nuremberg

Kraft was a virtuoso stone carver who translated into stone the technical skill and exuberance of wood-carving. His most celebrated work, the tabernacle in St Lawrence, Nuremberg, is a gigantic stone imitation (c. 18 m high) of a subtle piece of goldsmith's work. The richly decorated structure houses a multitude of human figures, animals, etc. One of the supporting figures at the base is supposed to be a self-portrait of Kraft.

The picture shows a relief of the tabernacle in the St Lawrence Church in Nuremberg.