The identity of this old man is unknown to me. The Church’s various artworks (altars, carvings, memorials, paintings) were kept safely underground during the World War II, and have now been returned to their original places. PLAN
22. DEAD PLATE I
A ‘dead plate’ is a death memorial plaque for a male from the nobility. When hung in a church or chapel, it carries an heraldic crest and inscription. I cannot find the name of the person commemorated here. [Wikimedia photo]
23. DEAD PLATE II
These plates commemorate, at top, Rudolf Sachs Ritter the Elder, 1435; and below: Wilhelm Ebner, 1464. [Wikimedia photo]
24. PERGENSTÖRFFER EPITAPH
Adam Kraft (or Krafft) (c. 1460 – 1509) was a German stone sculptor and master builder of the late Gothic period, based in Nuremberg and with a documented career there from 1490. This Pergenstörff epitaph was fashioned by him. It depicts the coronation of the Virgin. But, who was Pergenstörff?
25. MEDIEVAL FRESCO
Moving along this North wall we come to this old fresco. These Medieval wall-paintings were uncovered during restoration.
26. NORTHEAST WINDOW
Most of the stained glass windows in the Frauenkirche date to the late 16th and 17th century, and were donated by wealthy families from Nürnberg. This window contains many coats of arms, and a date (twice) of 1615. The central pane shows the Madonna and Child.
27. MADONNA AND CHILD
A small altar bearing an image of the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus stands at the Eastern end of the North aisle. Mary carries a sceptre and wears a crown, and Jesus holds an orb and cross. The hem of Mary’s garment contains the words ‘Plena Dominu(s)’ – presumably part of ‘Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum’.
28. PAINTING
This old painting appears to show St Mary and Jesus meeting with St Elizabeth and a young John the Baptist.
29. REBECK EPITAPH
This stone epitaph for Hans Rebeck is also the work of Adam Kraft. It dates from 1500, and shows God the Father and Christ holding a crown above the kneeling Virgin, while angels hold a ceremonial cloth behind the scene.
31. NORTHEAST CHANCEL
This window again displays many coats of arms. One pane carries the date 1559. The large figures on the wall appear to be part of a Nativity scene, with two of the Magi bringing gifts to the Infant Christ.
32. HIGH ALTAR TRIPTYCH
The Tucher Altar stands in the East choir. This early panel painting by an unknown artist was painted in the mid-1400s to serve as the high altar of St. Veit’s Monastery. After the Augustinian monastery was demolished in 1816, the altar was transferred to the Frauenkirche. It depicts from left: St. Augustine speaking to St. Monica; three scenes from the life of Christ – annunciation, crucifixion, and resurrection; and St. Paul the hermit and St. Anthony. While the altar still has the look of a medieval panel painting, more modern touches are evident. Below is a modern aumbry and sanctuary lamp.
33. SANCTUARY WINDOWS
These stained glass windows contain three original panes that are the oldest stained glass windows in Nürnberg, dating back to Emperor Charles IV’s commissioning of these windows for the Frauenkirche. They are located in the central window just above the Madonna. From left to right, these three panes depict St. Paul with his symbol the sword, the Virgin Mary with young Jesus, and St. Christopher carrying the young Christ on his shoulders.
34. HIGH ALTAR MADONNA
St Mary stands holding the Infant Jesus in front of a replica of the sun. Two cherubs hold a crown above her, two more sit at her feet.
35. SOUTH CHANCEL VIEW
The features of the South wall of the chancel are structurally similar to those of the North wall. In the foreground is a Paschal candle, and a little behind is the round ‘nave’ altar – both standing in front of the high altar.
36. SOUTH WALL DETAIL
The central arch frames a simple crucifix. A robed figure in the right arch gives a sign of blessing, while standing atop a poor unfortunate! At the bottom of the short column separating these two arches is the head of a green man.
37. BELL
Many churches and cathedrals have a small bell which is rung to indicate the beginning of a worship service.
38. SOUTH WALL STATUES
It is harder to identify these large figures. Perhaps a knight and his lady surveying the scene?
39. THREE ANGELS
Here are three of the angels bringing light to the cathedral ...
40. CORNER FIGURE
I can find no details of this figure, but the Star of David gives it an obvious Jewish connection. Over the centuries, and up to recent times, Nuremberg has had a chequered history in its treatment of the Jewish people.