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KARL STILP
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Karl Stilp
Birthdate: November 4, 1668
Date of death: , 1735
Karl Stilp was born in Waldsassen in 1668. He was the son of a Waldsassen´ s cabinet maker. He acquired his first education in the cabinet-making craft from his father. However, he passed away already in 1684. Therefore Karl Stilp set out to the world to gain experiences, gaining his skills in sculpture especially in Bohemia. It is not known when he returned to Waldsassen.
The today´s basilica in Waldsassen, a monastery church at that time, has just been finished. The abbot of the monastery must have distinguished his artistic talent since he awarded him the contract to make the main altar from the precious Salzburg marble.
Karel Stilpa was only 22 years old when he made this altar.
The figures depict the Archangel Gabriel announcing to St. Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ. The round pedestal represents the globe. The entire church is reflected in its gilding.
Stilp carved out other figures of the saints for the former Waldsassen monastery church, likely also for the organ background.
In 1725, Karl Stilp stared to work on the renowned hall of the monastery library. The bearing figure on the right side from the entrance represents a bearded man. It is the carver´s self-portrait. Stilp was responsible for the entire plastic decoration of the library. One excited Czech visitor gave a nickname to the artist: “the Siftland´s Michelangelo“.
Karl Stilp acquired a house in Cheb and also the Cheb burgher right in 1697.
His work can not only be seen in Waldsassen and in Stiftland but also in many churches in the Cheb area. Here he worked for instance in the pilgrimage church in Chlum Svaté Maří. He designed also the famous plaque column in Loket.
K. Stilp died in 1735 (or 1736) in Cheb.
We know little of his life since he was “only the son of one cabinet-maker“. However the artworks he made are of a unique beauty. Until today, they have been admired by the visitors from all over the world.
Günther Juba
Pictures:
Self-expression of Karel Stilp in the monastery library
The main altar in the Waldsassen basillica
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