The angel Gabriel - Ulm School

Ulm, a town in southwestern Germany, was a center of art during the late Gothic period, with a large number of sculptors and painters. Its influence was felt throughout southern Germany, as well as in the Tyrol and Grisons regions of Switzerland, from the 14th to the 16th century.

Michel Erhart (circa 1440-1522) was influenced by the realist style of the Flemish sculptor Nicolas Gerhaert from Leiden, whose work he studied in Strasbourg, and by his particular attention to volume.

These characteristics can be seen in our sculpture, which combines an impression of lightness in the airy posture with a gentle, benevolent expression on the face.

Our Angel Gabriel was most likely one of the two inseparable elements in the representation of the Annunciation within an altarpiece. All the original polychromy has been preserved, except for the blue of his long tunic and the burgundy of his cothurns. However, it is still perceptible in these areas.

The white skin shows a network of fine craquelure typical of the period.

The base on which our sculpture is mounted is later in date.