_Ascribed to Stephan Lochner_ (Early German: died 1451).
"Meister Stephan" was a native of Constance, who settled in
Cologne, and whose work has the stamp of the early Cologne
School (see 687). His chief work is the so-called Dombild, now
in Cologne Cathedral: "Item. I gave two white pennies," says
Albert Dürer in his diary, "to see the picture that Master
Staffan of Cologne painted." This famous altar-piece has been
published by the Arundel Society. "Italian Art," says Sir F.
Burton, "has seldom produced a group so beautiful as that of
the crowned Madonna in its central panel." Another exquisite
little picture ascribed to Meister Stephan is in the Cologne
Museum.
Three figures full of innocent fervour and graceful sentimentality.
St. Matthew as an evangelist holds a book and a pen, and is attended
by the symbolic angel. St. John is attended by the eagle, which is the
constant symbol of this evangelist, because he soared upwards to the
contemplation of the divine nature of the Saviour.