A crucifixion attributed to Jost Haller in the Colmar Musee d'Unterlinden

In December 1999, the Musee d'Unterlinden acquired a panel representing the Crucifixion, related to a small group of paintings painted c. 1450-1460 by an Alsatian artist (Bergheim Tempelhof Altarpiece, Sarrebruck Teutonic Kni ghts Altarpiece). In 1980, Charles Sterling identified the painter responsi ble for the series as Jost Haller, mentioned as early as 1438 as a master i n Strasbourg, which he left around 1450 to settle in Sarrebruck. The Crucif ixion published here for the first time is attributed to Jost Haller on the basis of comparisons with the Bergheim Tempelhof Altarpiece, a work painte d by the artist c. 1445-1450, prior to his departure for Lorraine. The Cruc ifixion was no doubt painted at this period and adds to our knowledge of th e Alsatian pictorial milieu with which the young Martin Schongauer came int o contact during his formative years.