Brass Rubbing: John Luneburg of Lübeck

1982.05.0002

Thumbnail of Brass Rubbing: John Luneburg of Lübeck (1982.05.0002)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Brass Rubbing: John Luneburg of Lübeck   (1982.05.0002)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Documentary Artifacts
  4. :
  5. Graphic Documents
Artist/Maker Kathleen H. Cairns.
Geographic Location
Period Medieval
Date 1461 CE
Culture German

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 290.0 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 152.0 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) 1.6 cm
Weight 730 g
Measuring Remarks Under Review
Materials Paper, Plant--Wood, Metal--Steel, Pigment
Manufacturing Processes Rubbing

Research Remarks

Description

Description from 1971-72 exhibit catalog by Kathleen Cairns: "Lubeck--John Luneburg, 1461. Mayor of Lubeck and an official of the Hanseatic League. He wears a long brocaded coat trimmed in fox fur and holds a rosary in his clasped hands. Between his pointed shoes is the escutcheon of the city of Lubeck. This is held by two wild men--figures often depicted in Medieval Art. The beautiful border inscription in Latin and Medieval German is interrupted at the corners by quatrefoil figures of the four Evangelists. The entire brass, covered by magnificent diaper work (a pattern of constant repetition) and with tabernacle work (canopies with niches characterized by use of tabernacles) is bordered b the Tree of Jesse. The border holds seven crowned heads and small dragons. At the bottom is a sleeping figure and at the top the crowned head of the King of Heaven.
INSCRIPTION: Oh, world, Thou hast betrayed me. In the Year of our Lord 1461 on St. Catherine's Day died the Mayor of Lubeck, John Luneburg. Pray God for him. In the Year of our Lord 1474 on the morning of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary died John Luneburg, Consul. Pray for him."

From the catalogue, An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings by Kathleen H. Cairns: Information identical to previous entry

Published Description Under Review
Bibliography

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Brass Rubbings from the Collection of Kathleen H. Cairns, December 5, 1971 - January 14, 1972. Botetourt Gallery and Museum, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Catalog #45.

Felgate, T.M. Knights on Suffolk Brasses. East Anglian Magazine Ltd. Ipswich, Suffolk 1976.

Spinke, Winifred. A Memento from Old England. Bury St. Edmunds, n.d.

Medieval Brass Rubbings (exhibit catalogue), Pittsburgh, 1969.

English Brass Rubbings (exhibit catalogue), Williamsburg, VA, 1971.

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, December 7, 1969 through January 4, 1970. Frick Fine Arts Building, University of Pittsburgh. Catalog #83.

Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, October 20 through November 19. Catalog #68.

Artifact History

Credit Line/Dedication Gift of Kathleen H. Cairns
Reproduction No

Contact

All information about our collection is constantly reviewed and updated. Please contact Dery Martínez-Bonilla, Registrar, if there is any information you are looking for that isn't currently online.