The Modernists' Nightmare
A New Renaissance in High Sacred Art
By Donna Sue Berry
The high art of wood carving is everywhere in evidence in traditional German churches -- inspired, many say, by the country's vast forests. Sadly, in the 20th century -- mostly in the years post-Vatican II -- iconoclasm swept through the German Church.
In a spasm of runaway clericalism, many churches were denuded of their sacred art. Even today, this work is often sneered at by the German elites, though secretly beloved by the people.
But even ideology and iconoclasm slowly die away. This interview by Donna Sue Berry is one clear sign of this salutary trend -- the story of a fifth generation family business in the South Tyrol experiencing an uptick in demand for their astonishingly beautiful work.
fter 140 years and five generations, the Ferdinand Stuflesser family
continues to create exquisite church restorations, believing that dignified art inspires praying. Their customers include the Vatican, as well as cathedrals and churches throughout the world.
The Stuflessers create all their woodcarvings in their workshops in Ortisei, Italy, where they use raw materials of the highest quality. Their work features altars and hand-carved statues in wood, bronze, and marble.
Fifth-generation Stuflessers, brothers Filip and Dr.Dr. Robert Stuflesser are prized by their customers throughout the world for their state- of-the-art craftsmanship, assurance of superior quality, and their continuing dedication to improve.
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Edited by Rosa Kaspar
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