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Discover an extraordinary piece of religious art history with this exceptional chrome postcard depicting Jörg Lederer's magnificent 'Mariae Krönung' (Coronation of Mary) altar from 1519. This stunning card offers an intimate view of one of Germany's most remarkable late Gothic triptych altarpieces preserved in the Church of Hindelang in Bavaria's picturesque Allgäu region.
This pristine unused postcard from the prestigious Hannes Oefele Verlag 25th Anniversary Collection captures in remarkable detail the intricate gilded woodcarving and exquisite craftsmanship of this 500+ year old religious masterpiece. The rich gold leaf and vibrant blue of Mary's robes shine with astonishing clarity in this exceptional photographic reproduction.
This stunning chrome postcard showcases a magnificent medieval religious triptych (three-panel altarpiece) featuring the Coronation of the Virgin Mary in extraordinary detail. The central panel depicts the Virgin Mary kneeling in a resplendent blue gown with flowing golden robes being crowned by two crowned figures (God the Father and Jesus Christ) who stand majestically beside her.
The left wing panel presents John the Baptist with his traditional lamb attribute while the right panel shows another saint or apostle likely St. John the Evangelist with a chalice. Delicate cherub figures gather at Mary's feet while the entire altarpiece is crowned with elaborate Gothic architectural tracery filigree decoration and stunning gilt work that exemplifies the pinnacle of early 16th century religious craftsmanship.
The card's back provides precise identification: 'Kirche Hindelang - Bad Oberdorf/Allgäu Berühmter Altar 'Mariae Krönung' von Jörg Lederer (1519).' This special edition was produced by Hannes Oefele Verlag of Ottobeuren as part of their 25th anniversary collection (card #2536/64 B).
Jörg Lederer (ca. 1470-1550) ranks among the most significant woodcarvers and sculptors of the late Gothic/early Renaissance period in southern Germany. His workshop in Kaufbeuren produced numerous religious masterpieces for churches throughout Bavaria and the Tyrol with the Coronation of Mary altarpiece representing one of his most accomplished works.
The iconography of Mary's coronation was of immense theological importance in late medieval Christianity representing the culmination of her earthly mission and her exaltation as Queen of Heaven. This particular altar survived the Protestant iconoclasm that destroyed countless similar works making it an invaluable window into pre-Reformation religious art and devotion.
The church in Bad Hindelang remains an important pilgrimage site for those interested in Gothic religious art with Lederer's masterpiece serving as its crown jewel. The altarpiece exemplifies the extraordinary craftsmanship and spiritual devotion that characterized religious art at the threshold between the medieval world and the Renaissance.
This postcard is in very good to excellent condition particularly impressive for an item from the 1970s-80s. The front shows only minor edge and corner wear with slight yellowing of the white border area but the image itself retains remarkable color vibrancy and clarity with the gold leaf details and intricate carvings captured in stunning detail.
The back is pristine - clean unmarked and showing only the slightest edge wear. No writing creases bends tears or postal markings mar this excellent example making it ideal for both display and preservation in a discerning collection.
This chrome postcard dates from the 1970s-1980s produced by Hannes Oefele Verlag during their 25th anniversary. The modern 4-digit German postal code (8942) visible in the publisher's address confirms post-1962 production while the overall design typography and print quality are consistent with high-end German postcards from the 1970s.
The card number '2536/64 B' and the anniversary designation suggest this was part of a special commemorative series produced by this respected publishing house. The sophisticated color reproduction techniques used represent the pinnacle of postcard production technology from this period.
While religious art postcards were certainly produced for the church tourism market this specific high-quality reproduction from a publisher's anniversary series has become increasingly difficult to find in such pristine condition. Many similar cards from this era have been lost to time damaged through improper storage or permanently archived in institutional collections.
The complete identification information and exceptional production quality make this a particularly desirable example for collectors of religious art German Gothic masterpieces or specialized religious card collections. Finding unused examples with such perfect preservation of the gold tones is becoming exceptionally challenging.
This postcard represents a perfect intersection of multiple collecting interests: religious art Gothic architecture woodcarving Marian iconography and German cultural heritage. The exceptional quality of the photographic reproduction offers a window into a masterpiece that many collectors may never have the opportunity to see in person.
For collectors of religious art postcards anniversary editions like this from respected publishers like Hannes Oefele represent the highest tier of quality and historical documentation. The attribution to a specific master sculptor with a precise date (1519) adds significant historical context that elevates this beyond typical tourist postcards.
In our digital age there is something profoundly moving about holding a physical artifact that connects us to centuries of artistic and spiritual tradition. This postcard provides a tangible link not only to the 1970s era of its production but through its subject matter to the religious devotion and craftsmanship of 16th century Germany.
Unlike endlessly reproducible digital images this physical card carries with it the quiet history of its journey through time preserving in remarkable detail a masterpiece created more than 500 years ago. When you add this card to your collection you become part of an unbroken chain of appreciation for one of religious art's most profound themes rendered by a master's hand.
These fragile paper treasures are disappearing daily making each preserved example increasingly valuable as a window into our shared cultural and spiritual heritage. The sensation of holding this card and examining its intricate details cannot be replicated by any digital means.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I combine shipping on all postcard purchases allowing you to build your collection economically. Browse my other listings to discover more treasures from Germany and beyond.
All postcards are shipped with secure rigid protection in archival-safe sleeves to ensure they reach you in the same excellent condition shown. Delivery confirmation is included on all domestic shipments for your peace of mind.
High-quality religious art postcards in pristine condition are rapidly disappearing from the market into permanent institutional collections. This exceptional example capturing Jörg Lederer's 1519 masterpiece offers a unique opportunity to secure a beautiful piece of Gothic religious art history.
Don't miss this chance to add a superb representation of one of Germany's most significant religious altarpieces to your collection! Once this card finds a new home it may be years before another example of this quality becomes available.
"_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
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