The Choir-Screen at Mainz and the Master of Naumburg

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the sculptures attributed to the 'Master of Naumburg'—notably those at Mainz Cathedral and Naumburg Cathedral—are pivotal in understanding 13th-century artistic evolution. These works, once thought to originate from Rheims Cathedral's innovative sculptural laboratory, actually achieved their greatest impact among German clergy, distant from Gothic art's core regions. The study challenges long-held assumptions about the master's career trajectory, demonstrating that his influence was more pronounced in peripheral areas than previously believed. By examining stylistic links and theological shifts, this research sheds light on how medieval art adapted to changing religious practices, offering a nuanced perspective on the period's artistic developments.

Lutz, G. (2024). The Choir-Screen at Mainz and the Master of Naumburg. Mainz and the Middle Rhine Valley: Medieval Art, Architecture and Archaeology: Volume 30, 53–67. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003580263-4