South German Crucifixion XVII

Crucifixion in boxwood In the taste of the sculptor Christoph Daniel Schenck (1633-1691) South Germany Period 17th century Born to a family of sculptors with shops in southern Germany and northern Switzerland around Lake Constance Christoph Daniel Schenck learns to carve from his father. He became an important sculptor of religious imagery, working mainly in wood and ivory. He is also known for his large-scale wooden altar figures and altarpieces. Schenck produced his first works during the Counter-Reformation, a period of renewed artistic activity when churches and monasteries were restored and redecorated. He has often treated religious scenes of pain and penance in his work, often repeating themes in different media. In spiral form, the forms of draperies activated emphasized his combination of naturalism and increased emotionality.