Master Paul of Levoča

€10 silver collector coin

Master Pavol of Levoča, a wood-carver from the Spiš region at the beginning of the 16th century, was one of the most important wood-carvers in Central Europe. His works built on the traditions of the late-gothic sculpture. They are of remarkable quality and range, and belong to the most appreciated medieval monuments in Slovakia. He is the author of the monumental main altar in St. Jacob’s church in Levoča and other masterpieces, thanks to which the town has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Wing altars from his workshop can also be admired in churches in Sabinov, Lipany or Banská Bystrica. The complex architecture of these altars with numerous pinnacles and ornaments includes sculptures and panel paintings. The sculptures are typical for pompous, stylised draperies of gilt cloaks and their faces lined with curly hair are idealised. In spite of the gothic stylisation, some figures, mainly the series of crucifixes in Bardejov, Kežmarok, Spišská Nová Ves and Spišské Vlachy, show unusual knowledge of anatomy. These features and ornaments on some of his altars indicate that the art by Master Pavol acquires a renaissance character.