Erasmus Grasser

Grasser worked mainly in wood, and is best known for the 16 figures of Moriskentänzer (Moresca dancers, 1480, 10 remaining, the fate of 6 unknown) lining the walls of the great dance and assembly hall of Old Townhall, the oak choir stalls at the Frauenkirche cathedral (1502) and the madonna of the high altar in St Mary (Ramersdorf), all three located in Munich.

This piece depicts Mary, the Mother of God, in a coffin being carried to her final resting place.

They were standing in about 5 meters height on extending consoles of the lower section of the roof of the "Dance House".

The dancer carvings were part of a heraldic roof program symbolizing the leadership claim of Duke Herzog Albrecht IV of Bavaria, showing crests of the whole world.

The originals were replaced by copies in 1931 and removed to the city museum, so survived WWII destruction of the Old Town Hall.

The Burial of the Virgin , by Erasmus Grasser,Late 15th Century. (in Museum Legion of Honor