Standing Bishop 1505

This limewood sculpture of a Standing Bishop was carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, likely in the late 15th or early 16th century. Riemenschneider was a master of his medium, celebrated for his ability to bring forth incredibly lifelike qualities from the wood. Look closely, and you'll notice the texture of the bishop’s robes, carved with deep folds that give a sense of weight and volume. The gilding enhances the sense of opulence. The figure embodies the intersection of craft and fine art. Riemenschneider’s workshop was run like a business, with different journeymen specializing in various aspects of production, from roughing out the form to the intricate details. The choice of limewood was no accident. Its fine grain allowed for precise carving. The making of this sculpture was a collaborative process, involving skilled labor and reflecting the economic systems of the time. Appreciating the context of materials and making allows us to see the full depth of its meaning.