25 February 2021

Rediscovered again at the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum (Tyrolean Folk Art Museum) in Innsbruck: 16th century wooden panels by carpenter Conrad Gottfried showing decorative scenes made from inlay work

The wooden panels by Conrad Gottfried from the 16th century (1570/80) were originally made for one of the buildings of the Volderwildbad, an estate in around 1100 meters height in Tyrol. The natural spa was used since the 15th century by hunting companies and as a recreation area. The name Volderwildbad references the healthy water source and means as much as 'wild bath in the Volder valley'. At hall-wattens.at, pictures and some historical facts such as that Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I was one of the prominent visitors of Volderwildbad are published.

Maker of the wood panels is carpenter Conrad Gottfired who was supplier to the court of Archduke of Austria Ferdinand II of Tyrol. On occasion of the check and digitalisation of the inventory of the Volkskunstmuseum of the Tyrolean State Museums in Innsbruck, the inlay work was documented again.

The three panels in late renaissance, early baroque style are from one of the side buildings of the estate and were bought in the 50ies by the Volkskunsmuseum for the collection. The scenes are made of different wood qualities and colors. The paneling shows at the bottom typical hunting situations like a jumping deer, a bear in a cage or the fantasy-creature of a dragon-lion. At the main parts, flowers are depicted growing out of a vase. Inside the plant tendrils, an exotic bird eating from the fruits.

At the press release, it's announced that Conrad Gottfried's panels are currently checked by a restorer and will then be presented at the Volkskunstmuseum.

Images: The three-part richly decorated wood paneling was made in Conrad Gottfried's workshop in the 16th century and originates from Volderwildbad in Tyrol. It was rediscovered in 2021 at the Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum (Tyrolean Folk Art Museum) in Innsbruck. Photos: © TLM / Johannes Plattner Fotografie.