1. Vues des salles de l'exposition "Strasbourg 1560-1600. Le renouveau des arts", Strasbourg, Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame. Photo : M.Bertola/Musées de Strasbourg
Strasbourg and it's importance in 16th and 17th century art
In the late 16th century, Strasbourg emerged as a vibrant artistic hub in Central Europe after a period of decline during the Reformation. This overlooked phase in the city's history saw a revival of arts, influenced by new ornamental styles inspired by classical canons.
The exhibition focuses on this Renaissance revival, showcasing the work of Tobias Stimmer and Wendel Dietterlin, who introduced Mannerism to Strasbourg. Stimmer's intricate grisaille paintings, including designs for the Cathedral's Astronomical Clock, are highlighted alongside Dietterlin's extravagant architectural plates.
Restored pieces, funded by various patrons, are displayed within the museum's historic buildings. Curated by Cécile Dupeux, the exhibition's scenography is crafted by Atelier Caravane.
The Background of Strasbourg
in the midst of changes
2. Vues des salles de l'exposition "Strasbourg 1560-1600. Le renouveau des arts", Strasbourg, Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame. Photo : M.Bertola/Musées de Strasbourg
The 15th century witnessed a significant shift in intellectual life due to the advent of the printing revolution, spearheaded by Johannes Gutenberg, originally from Mainz but residing in Strasbourg since 1434.
Strasbourg quickly emerged as a prominent printing hub by the late 15th century, hosting numerous printing workshops, including the esteemed Grüninger firm. This burgeoning printing industry attracted a plethora of intellectuals and artists to the city, establishing it as a center of innovation across various disciplines such as sculpture, architecture, painting, and watchmaking.
The city's profound influence was further underscored by its unique status as a "free city," endowed with the autonomy to mint its currency and engage in flourishing trade, facilitated by its strategic geographical positioning conducive to both imports and exports.
In the modern era, Strasbourg became a cradle of humanism ideas and the Reformation, championed by figures like Jakob Wimpheling, Geiler von Kaysersberg, and Sébastien Brant, whose critical discourse against Church malpractices set the stage for the Protestant Reformation.
Strasbourg emerged as an early advocate for reform, exemplified by its endorsement of Martin Luther's these in 1519, and subsequent adoption of Protestantism in 1532, formalized by adherence to the Augsburg Confession.
Strasbourg's role in the Reformation extended beyond ideological support; it served as a refuge for religious dissidents and facilitated the dissemination of their ideas through its printing industry.
In 1605, Johann Carolus began publishing the world's first printed newspaper, Relation aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwürdigen Historien (in French, "Communication de toutes histoires importantes et mémorables").
However, amidst these intellectual and religious upheavals, the early 16th century witnessed social unrest. While Strasbourg refrained from direct involvement, it contributed financially to quelling the rebellion. Additionally, the transition to Protestantism impeded artistic patronage, leading to a decline in artistic production until the city became a sanctuary for Huguenot refugees expelled from France.
The King of France put pressure on Strasbourg, and the city soon began to study the French language for diplomatic purposes. At the same time, public education expanded rapidly throughout the 16th century, and by the dawn of the 17th century, the city had seven schools for boys and two for girls.
Moreover, when Strasbourg became a Protestant city, it was not allowed to set up its own university. The city already offered a number of courses, notably in medicine and theology since 1538, thanks to Jean Sturm's gymnasium, but these did not lead to a recognized university degree27.
The 16th century also witnessed geopolitical tensions, exemplified by Emperor Charles V's passage through Strasbourg and Metz and the subsequent conflict between Catholicism and Protestantism.
The Background of Strasbourg
in the midst of changes
3. Vues des salles de l'exposition "Strasbourg 1560-1600. Le renouveau des arts", Strasbourg, Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame. Photo : M.Bertola/Musées de Strasbourg
In the rich tapestry of the history of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, a figure stands out, Tobias Stimmer, one of the most important artist of the late Renaissance in the Upper Rhine area. Amidst the grandeur of the cathedral's architecture, his contribution, though often overlooked, remains an integral part of its splendor and innovation.
The iconographic program of Tobias Stimmer for the cathedral is a synthesis between Germanic and Italian styles. Thus, his contribution to the astronomical clock is very important; most commentators undervalue it by talking about 10 paintings he created for the common. In reality, there are 24 pictures, to which must be added 15 very elaborate grisaille drawings, serving as models for the sculptures of the church.
We must also add the celestial globe, as well as the two tables of the phases of the moon, richly and originally decorated with masks, figures of prophets and other fantastic figures, which are currently at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg at the Rohan Palace.
Stimmer took three years to complete the whole project and actually made an engraving of the clock himself, once the panels, made in his workshop, were mounted on site.
The grisaille paintings, at the origin of most sculptures deserve a separate treatment. They are quite elaborate picture and mix mythological, allegorical and fantastic elements with observations of nature (especially animal drawings). They are of great finesse, with a style that announces mannerism.
Informations about the exhibition
Place: Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame
Date: 2.2.2024 – 19.5.2024
Curators: Cécile Dupeux
Ticket: Available at the front desk of the museum
Informations about the Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame
3 place du Chateau
67 000 - Strasbourg