The early modern sculptor's education north of the Alps has yet to be thoroughly explored. Three collections of sculptor's drawings, originating from the Bavarian workshop of Thomas Schwanthaler (1634-1707), found in different locations... more
The early modern sculptor's education north of the Alps has yet to be thoroughly explored. Three collections of sculptor's drawings, originating from the Bavarian workshop of Thomas Schwanthaler (1634-1707), found in different locations across central Europe, allow insights into their importance to the early modern sculptor. Use and collection of drawings had mainly practical purposes for instruction and communication inside the workshop. However, inscriptions suggest that sketches were also crafted for personal reasons. The drawings crossed borders not only physically-being taken along on the itinerant craftsmen's journeys-but also in their functions as media of both professional purpose and personal memorabilia. The article explores the use of drawings in a non-academic environment, presenting examples from the collections.
