Jan van Steffeswert

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The Radiant Madonna in Aachen Cathedral

Jan van Steffeswert , also Jan van Steffenswert and Jan van Stevensweert (* before 1465, † after 1531) was a late Gothic wood carver who spent at least part of his life in Maastricht . It probably comes from the Maasland in the Netherlands .

Life

While the names of many sculptors of the 15th and 16th centuries are largely unknown, Jan van Steffeswert is an exception. Through his work he stands out from the anonymity of medieval craftsmen.

The name Steffeswert could suggest that the artist was born in the town of Stevensweert , but so far this is only a guess. In any case, he lived in Maastricht from 1499, and from 1507 near the local wood market. There he taught several students, because there is evidence that he claimed in 1503 and 1525 that the early departure of several students had caused him damage. Jan van Steffeswert is mentioned for the last time in the Maastricht archives in 1531.

Van Steffeswert had at least two children, a son and a daughter. All that is known about his daughter is that she made gloves and bags. Jan van Steffeswert's son, called Aert, was married to Greetchen Bieldesnider. Both were supporters of Lutheranism . Greetchen was convicted of heresy in 1534 and executed at the stake.

Work

Steffeswert marked his works with the abbreviation IAN . The Radiant Madonna in Aachen Cathedral bears the signature IAN Bieldesnider 1524 . In the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht there is a group of sculptures, also from 1524, which he again simply drew with IAN .

Jan van Steffeswert's works are characterized by their spaciousness and attractive details.

Works (selection)

  • St. Hubertus, Romanesque church of Erpekom, now in the Museum of Heis (Genk).
  • St. Barbara, St. Martin Born.
  • St. Joseph (around 1515), St. Nicholas Church in Heythuysen.
  • St. Anna-zu-three, St. Martin Itteren.
  • Corpus (1505–1510), enthroned bishop (1515), Maria Magdalena (1525) and other works, Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht.
  • St. Crispinianus, St. Peter Maastricht.
  • Reliquary busts in Amelbergaschrijn, H. Amelbergakerk Susteren.
  • Virgin and Child, St. Nicholas Church in Valkenburg.
  • Marianum (1524), Aachen Cathedral.
  • St. Balbina (1526), ​​Parish Church Millen (Germany).
  • John in the disco, Musée de la Vie Walonne Liège.
  • St. Odilia (?), Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels.
  • St. Catherine, British Museum, London.
  • Virgin and Child, Oscott College, Birmingham.
  • Female saint, Khanenko Museum, Kiev.

literature

  • Pieter te Poel: Professor Timmers en zijn geesteskinderen: de Meester van Elsloo en Jan van Steffeswert . In: TimmersWerk, Sittard, 2007, pp. 128–155

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Steffeswert, Jan van
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Steffenswert, Jan van
BRIEF DESCRIPTION late Gothic wood carver
DATE OF BIRTH before 1465
DATE OF DEATH after 1531