Page:Cracow - Lepszy.djvu/117

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GOTHIC STYLE IN CRACOW ART
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in bas-relief. On the predella we see an image of the rod of Jesse. The work is a landmark in the development of Stoss's art. Vivid and vigorous treatment of all details, rich drapery with restless crumpled foldings, bold and nervous movements: all these give to his art its own peculiar characteristic, which is simply exuberance of life. The types are extremely manifold, and bear witness to his masterly, dashing way of handling the chisel.


35. THE PASSING OF THE VIRGIN MARY.
(Scene from the high altar in St. Mary's Church.)
(Vitus Stoss.)

The master's admirable work procured him, in 1492, an order from King Casimir IV for a tomb in the Holy Cross Chapel (illustration 34). This was executed after Stoss's design, by George Huber of Passau, in red marble, probably of Salzburg. The most attractive feature of this piece of sculpture is not the architectural moulding of it, which seems rather heavy and affected, but the figure details; especially the highly individualized

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