Mary and the Supporting Apostle St. James the Greater

The sculpture depicts two figures – Mary and St. James the Greater, who are the central elements of the altar. Mary appears to be kneeling, while St. James the Greater stands behind her, supporting her with both hands. Their arrangement creates a harmonious, well-balanced composition that focuses the viewer’s attention on the interaction between these two figures.

Mary is dressed in a long, pleated robe. Her head is bowed, and her face expresses peace and concentration. Her robes are richly draped, with numerous folds creating dynamic lines. These folds are meticulously carved, emphasizing the movement and softness of the material. The robe falls freely to the ground, forming elegant creases. Mary’s face shows tranquility and focus, her head slightly inclined. Her eyes are half-closed, giving her an expression of contemplation and spiritual concentration. Her beautifully crafted hands are clasped and held down in front of her, as if in a gesture of prayer or meditation. The fingers are gently bent, adding naturalness to the entire figure.

St. James the Greater supports Mary, symbolizing his protective role in this scene. The saint’s expression is full of care and tenderness, emphasizing the emotional dimension of this scene. His eyes, directed ahead, are absent, full of reflection and melancholy, and his mouth expresses a subtle sadness, adding an emotional depth to the whole scene. James’s beard is fantastically crafted – long, curly strands are intricately carved, creating an impressive texture. Each curl is carefully separated, adding realism and artistic depth.

The sculpture is made of wood and polychromed, adding to its realistic appearance. Both Mary and St. James have distinctly defined facial features and intricately shaped hair. The entire composition exudes calm and conveys the solemnity of this religious scene.

The Altar of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a masterpiece of late Gothic sculpture, is the magnum opus of its brilliant creator, the Nuremberg artist Veit Stoss.