, a crucifixion from a prayer book (?), miniature, gouache and gold on parchment, 15,8 x 10,4 cm, mounted, unframed, (Sch)

Provenance: private collection, Austria.

Type, arrangement and gestures of the figures follow the model of the St. Pölten Missale (St. Pölten, Diözesanbibliothek, Cod. 51 Äalt: M 328Ü, fol. 167v), which can presumably be dated before 1426 (due to the mention of provost Ulrich den Wilmicker who died in 1426). Type and proportions of the figures, coloring and many other details point to the style of a miniature with a crucifixion in the prayerbook of Duke Albrecht V. of Austria (Vienna, ÖNB, Cod. 2722, fol. 83v), which presumably dates to the mid-1430s. The illumination painting of both manuscripts is attributed to the so-called Albrechtsmaster. This illuminator was assigned by Duke Albrecht to execute the Viennese manuscript which is preserved in Melk monestary today. The Albrechtsmaster can be proved from the 1420s onwards to the mid-century. He presumably resided in Vienna. He is assumed to have participated in the execution of about 20 manuscripts. Apart from Duke Albrecht V. (1397-1439) Emperor Frederick III. (1415-1493) counted to his commissioners. The Albrechtsilluminator was one of the most important members of the socalled Viennese school but stands out from it through a somewhat cool coloring, the concentration on only a few colors and through a clear symmetry in his compositions.