Paradiesgärtlein

Infobox Painting|

title=Frankfurt Paradiesgärtlein (Garden of Paradise)
artist=Master of the Frankfurt Paradiesgärtlein
year="circa" 1410
type= Mixed techniques on wood
height=26.3 cm
width=33.4 cm
city=Frankfurt
museum=Städel

The Paradiesgärtlein ("Garden of Paradise") is the title of a painting, created around 1410 and on display at the Städel Museum in Frankfurt.

The painter is unknown, but generally known as the "Meister des Frankfurter Paradiesgärtleins" ("Master of the Frankfurt Paradiesgärtlein"). The painting is executed in mixed techniques on wood; it measures "circa" 26 by 33 cm.

The painting belongs to the "Maria im Rosenhag" ("Mary in the rose bower") type, but the painter adapted that style in a unique fashion. In contrast to depictions current at the time, the Virgin is not depcited in the centre of the image, but in the upper left corner, engrossed in a book. She is surrounded by Saints. To her left, Saint Dorothy is plucking a cherry, Saint Barbara is drawing water from a well, Saint Catherine holds a psalter, on which Jesus of Nazareth is plucking the strings. At the feet of Saint George, there is a small dead dragon, and at those of Archangel Michael, there is a small black daemon. Saint Oswald is leaning against a treetrunk.

The "Paradiesgärtlein" is one of the earliest paintings to naturalistically depict plants. They are all clearly recognisable. Most are Marian symbols. Near the wall, different birds are clearly recognisable.

Flowers of the "Paradiesgärtlein"

Aquilegia, Veronica, Strawberry, Alchemilla, Daisy, Wallflower, Vinca, Cherry, Clover, Lily, Snowflake, Lily of the Valley, Malva, Oxeye daisy, Dianthus, Paeonia, Rose, Primula veris, Iris, Mustard, Red deadnettle, Violet, Plantago, Chrysanthemum, Aster, Hypericum, Matthiola.

Birds of the "Paradiesgärtlein"

Common Kingfisher, Great Tit, Eurasian Bullfinch, Golden Oriole, Chaffinch, European Robin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bohemian Waxwing, European Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Hoopoe.

Insects of the "Paradiesgärtlein"

Dragonfly, Large White.

Bibliography

* Esther Gallwitz: "Kleiner Kräutergarten: Kräuter und Blumen bei den Alten Meistern im Staedel". Frankfurt/M. 1992. Insel Taschenbuch.
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