Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt:...presents a striking aspect of grandeur and majesty. This work of centuries bears the stamp of many changes of art. In its origin the church was Byzantine, and the choir, constructed long afterwards, enables the visitor, to admire the Gothic style in its infancy, as well as in its youth and maturity. Rich sculpture, ancient and curious pictures, the tombs and statues of dukes, compose the artistic treasures of the church. The most valuable pictures are by Von Baldung and Holbein. Those of the high altar and of the University chapel are especially remarkable. The pulpit is an admirable work; the sculptor, Joerg Kempf, has represented himself on the base of this beautiful structure, leaning from a window, and turning his head as if listening to a sermon. Among the dukes whose tombs are to be seen in the choir of the church, Berthold, the founder of Fribourg, occupies the first place; he is represented in complete armour, and holding in his right hand the plan of the city. Close by is that of his successor, who embellished the city and finished the church. Opposite to them, is the tomb of Rodolph, nephew of Berthold IV.; this latter is attired ns a warriorbishop of the 13th century; he wears a mitre and a cuirass, with the pastoral crosier in his right hand, his legs covered with iron greaves and the episcopal mantle on his shoulders; m the left hand he holds a skull, and his countenance would seem to indicate that he is reflecting on the nothingness of human affairs.--Another duke, in armour, except his helmet and cuirass, which are lying before him, is represented piously kneeling before an image of the Virgin. In the southern aisle of the church is the statue of the last duke, Berthold V.; he stands on a lion as a pedestal, and the unhappy animal...