Tilman Riemanschneider and the Bibras

Würzburg

The two monuments by Riemanschneider of two bishops in the Würzburg Cathedral. First, Scherenberg and second, Lorenz von Bibra. Both were commissioned by Lorenz who was in office from 1495 to 1519. Although most consider Riemanschneider best work to be with lime wood, these two works, located side by side but are separated by twenty years or so, are very important. The motif and the materials are very similar but a change in styles occurred from Late Gothic to a Manorism. Scherenberg face shows every wrinkle and character whereas Lorenz”s doesn’t.

Photo taken when pews removed for renovation

Lorenz von Bibra photo with engraving from Family History

Scherenberg – Kilian’s Dom in Würzburg, Germany
Scherenberg – detail
Riemanschneider carving on stone table at the Museum für Franken Staatliches Museum für Kunst- und Kulturgeschichte in Würzburg (previously Mainfränkisches Museum) at the Festung Marienberg in Würzburg

St. Leo’s Church, Bibra

Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany
Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany
Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany
These two panels are part of above alter, Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany
Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany
Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany
epithet of Hans von Bibra, the father of Bishop Lorenz, buried at Veßra Abbey

Hans grave

Note the similarity of the Schaumberg tomb of the market square in Würzburg
Bibra Church, St. Leo’s Church in Bibra, Germany

This book, available in
English or German, is one of
the best books in prints as
far as discussing the two
tombs commissioned by
Lorenz for himself and his
predecessor.