Vischer, Peter

Vischer, Peter (pā`tər fĭsh`ər), the elder, c.1455–1529, German sculptor, foremost of the bronze founders in Germany. Beginning as the assistant of his father, Hermann Vischer, Peter set up his own establishment at Nuremberg and in time had his five sons working with him. Italian influence is noticeable in certain works, particularly the reliquary of St. Sebald at Nuremberg, Vischer's masterpiece; its rich ornamentation combines medieval and Renaissance characteristics. Of the other tombs from his workshop, the most important are those of Archbishop Ernst (cathedral, Magdeburg) and Graf Otto IV von Henneberg (Stadtkirche, Römhild). In 1513 Vischer, at the summons of Emperor Maximilian, went to Innsbruck, where he made two statues of Theodoric and Arthur for the great tomb of the Hapsburg. Of the sons who carried on their father's work,

Hermann Vischer, the younger, c.1486–1517, and

Peter Vischer, the younger, 1487–1528, were the most celebrated. Both sons are said to have gone to Italy and were influenced by the art of antiquity. Hermann's monumental achievement was the tomb of Elisabeth and Hermann VIII of Henneberg (Stadtkirche, Römhild). Peter the Younger made several reliefs of Orpheus and Eurydice and other mythological figures. He also executed the tomb of Frederick the Wise (Schlosskirche, Wittenberg).